Developing World Markets Appoints Impact Investing Pioneer Ron Cordes as Strategic Advisor

Developing World Markets (DWM), a leading emerging and frontier markets impact investment firm, today announced the appointment of Ron Cordes as a Strategic Advisor to the firm. In this role, Mr. Cordes will provide senior strategic advice to DWM on its impact investing strategies, business development initiatives and market positioning.

Ron Cordes is a recognized leader in impact investing, known for his pioneering efforts to mainstream the sector. For the past twenty years, Mr. Cordes has helped shape the impact investing landscape, supporting innovative entrepreneurs, fund managers, investment platforms and mission⁠-⁠aligned organizations. His longstanding commitment to financial inclusion aligns closely with DWM’s core investment strategy and his focus on competitive returns alongside measurable impact complements DWM’s investment and impact approach.

As Strategic Advisor, Mr. Cordes will work closely with DWM’s leadership team to sharpen the firm’s competitive positioning, expand its reach, and contribute strategic insights as DWM continues to scale its emerging markets platform.

“DWM has built something truly distinctive - a firm that combines rigorous investment discipline with genuine impact at scale in markets that need it most,” said Ron Cordes. “I’ve been impressed by the team’s vision, their track record, and their deep relationships on the ground in emerging markets. I look forward to contributing to the next chapter of DWM’s growth and to helping advance the broader case that investing in developing economies is both a compelling opportunity and an imperative.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Ron to DWM,” said Edward Marshall, Co⁠-⁠Managing Partner of Developing World Markets. “Ron’s extraordinary track record in the asset management industry, his leadership in building the impact investing community, and his keen understanding of our business give us tremendous confidence that he will be an invaluable partner as we continue to grow the firm. His perspective and guidance will be instrumental as we deepen our work in emerging markets and expand our impact around the world.”

Developing World Markets (DWM) is a leading emerging markets, impact investing firm. Founded in 1994, the firm serves institutional investors, seeking investible solutions that offer risk-appropriate returns while sustainably addressing the social, environmental, and economic needs of the developing world. Through DWM Asset Management, LLC, the firm’s SEC-registered investment adviser, DWM has originated and managed over $3.0 billion of private debt and private equity investments in impact-oriented enterprises in more than 70 emerging and frontier countries.

Ron Cordes has enjoyed a 40+ year career in the investment industry. He was a co-founder and CEO of AssetMark, a leading U.S. managed account platform with $140+ billion of AUM, co-authored “The Art of Investing” published by McGraw Hill, and was an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year.

Since co-founding the Cordes Foundation in 2006 with his wife, Marty, Ron has focused on impact investing and social entrepreneurship and currently serves on the corporate boards of Pathstone and Definiti, and the advisory boards of Greenwheel and Rebalance Capital. His work in this area has been profiled in an array of publications including the New York Times, Barron’s, FastCompany, Forbes and FORTUNE.