The Principal Enhances ESOP Team

Global investment manager the Principal Financial Group expands its employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) team with the addition of Kim Blaugher as vice president of consulting and Amy Hartnett as director of business development.

The two join the firm’s 30-person team in providing ESOP consulting and administration services.

Blaugher was most recently senior director within the ESOP consulting group at BDO USA, LLP and is rejoining The Principal, having served as vice president of consulting on the firm’s ESOP team for nearly 20 years. He is a member of the Employee-Owned S Corporations of America, the National Center for Employee Ownership, The ESOP Association and the Pacific Coast TE/GE Council. Additionally, he holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Earlham College and a master’s degree in taxation from the University of Denver.

Joining from Fifth Third Bank in Chicago, where she served as vice president in the ESOP finance group, Hartnett brings experience in nationwide business development. She maintains a position on the board of the Illinois ESOP Association and is a member of the National Center for Employee Ownership. A graduate of the University of Iowa in Iowa City, she holds bachelor’s degrees in finance and marketing.

“The addition of both Kim and Amy further strengthens our ESOP consulting practice to better serve existing clients and help grow our number of plans,” says Jerry Ripperger, vice president of consulting at The Principal. He explains recent additions to the company’s team reinforce its commitment to providing comprehensive ESOP services.