James Dondero Highland Capital Management Career Overview

James Dondero's career at Highland Capital Management is a remarkable story of success and growth. He co-founded the company in 1993 with Mark Okada, and it quickly became a leading global alternative investment manager.

Highland Capital Management's early success can be attributed to Dondero's leadership and vision. He served as the company's President and Chief Investment Officer, overseeing the investment process and strategy.

Dondero's expertise in credit markets and mortgage-backed securities was a key factor in the company's growth. He played a crucial role in developing and executing investment strategies that generated strong returns for clients.

James Dondero, the hedge fund manager at Highland Capital, is currently involved in a messy divorce that's making headlines. He claimed he couldn't pay spousal support because he's insolvent, despite earning $36 million annually.

Highland Capital's former private equity chief, Patrick Daugherty, testified that Dondero was minimizing his assets to avoid giving money to his wife. This led to Highland suing Daugherty for breach of contract, calling him "unmanageable, erratic and insubordinate."

Highland's lawsuit against Daugherty was a response to his counterclaim, which accuses Dondero of self-dealings and conflicts of interest. The counterclaim delves into Highland's financial transactions during the financial crisis.

Dondero met with Daugherty for drinks at Nicola's after he resigned in 2011. He launched into a discussion about his wife's infidelity and other wives at the company.

James Dondero has had a distinguished career in the financial industry. He started his journey at J.P. Morgan's Morgan Guaranty Training Program as an analyst before joining American Express in 1985.

After just five years of graduating from college, Dondero was managing $1 billion in fixed-income assets with American Express. This impressive feat showcases his exceptional skills and dedication to his work.

In 1989, Dondero joined Protective Life as a Chief Investment Officer, where he helped create the GIC subsidiary. His experience and expertise played a significant role in the company's growth and success.

Dondero's entrepreneurial spirit led him to start his own credit-focused investment firm, Highland Capital Management, in 1993. He relocated the business to Dallas, Texas, in 1994, where it continues to thrive.

Dondero's greatest strength is his ability to solve complex puzzles, which has allowed him to strategically think through intricate deals and emerging trends. This skill has been instrumental in his company's growth and the expansion of the alternative investment landscape.

In 2012, Dondero launched NexPoint, a venture aimed at expanding alternative strategies to retail channels. This move marked a significant milestone in his career, as he continued to push the boundaries of the financial industry.

Today, Dondero serves as the founder and principal of the leading alternative investment platform, NexPoint. He is also the Majority Owner and Chairman of the Board for one of its subsidiaries, NexBank.