New Manager Named for Flagship Janus Fund

Janus Capital Group Inc. on Tuesday named David Corkins, 39, to manage its $11.2-billion flagship Janus Fund, replacing Blaine Rollins, who has lagged behind rivals in five of the six years he has been in charge.

Janus Fund earned 12.8% a year in the three years ended Dec. 31, compared with 13.9% for the average large-capitalization growth-stock fund, according to Morningstar Inc.

In the same period, the $4.6-billion Janus Mercury Fund, which Corkins has managed and which also owns many large growth stocks, rose 16.1% a year.

Gary Black, who has been Janus’ investment chief since March 2004 and became chief executive on Jan. 1, has put new managers into several top jobs in the last year in an attempt to bolster growth at the firm.

Rollins, 38, will take over the $52-million Janus Triton Fund. Janus’ research team will take over Mercury, the firm said.