Kenneth Leech, chief investment officer of Legg Mason subsidiary Western Asset Management, is taking a leave of absence. Morningstar's Fund Times reports that Leech's leave will begin May 3. Stephen Walsh, deputy CIO at Western, who has worked with Leech for 10 years will fill in on the temporary basis.

Also reported in Fund Times, another Putnam portfolio manager has left the company. Austin Kairnes, manager of the Putnam Equity Income Fund, left to pursue other opportunities. He will be replaced by Noah Rumpf. The fund's lead manager, Bart Geer, remains at the helm.

Back in December, The MFWire reported that some members of the sales and portfolio management teams may be looking to leave Putnam after their options from the Power Financial deal vested. 

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