Mr. O’Brien is Assistant Director of Equity Research, providing oversight and strategic direction to Putnam's team of equity analysts. In addition, he is a portfolio manager of Putnam Research Fund and an analyst in the Equity Research group, focusing on the U.S. technology sector. He is responsible for conducting fundamental analysis and valuation of companies in the semiconductor, hardware, and software industries, and for making buy/sell recommendations. Previously at Putnam, he served as an Investment Associate on the U.S. consumer team. Mr. O'Brien has been in the investment industry since he joined Putnam in 2011.