Charlie Ittner

Charlie spent the first ten years of his career in communications roles within the investment management industry. He began by running marketing for Platinum Equity and later served as the Director of Investor Relations at bkm Capital Partners. At both firms, the founders recognized brand as a competitive advantage in accessing deals and securing LP commitments, well before the broader industry embraced the concept.

In these roles, Charlie managed marketing budgets and often faced a dilemma when hiring vendors: choosing between financial services communications firms that lacked creativity and polish or talented creatives with little understanding of the investment space. Recognizing a gap in the market, he saw the potential value in an agency that combined the best of both worlds.

This insight led Charlie to establish Darien Group in 2015. What began humbly—him working from a downtown Los Angeles apartment with just a telephone and a vision—has grown into a full-fledged marketing and communications consulting firm. Today, Darien Group boasts a team of more than 20 professionals and has served over 300 clients. Throughout this growth, the company has remained true to its original purpose: advancing the business goals of investment manager clients through the integration of creative talent and high standards of excellence.

One of Charlie’s proudest professional achievements is the team he has built to execute Darien Group’s mission. The firm’s Directors, Account Managers, Designers, and Programmers are dedicated to continually improving both client deliverables and the client experience. They’ve fostered a culture that sets Darien Group apart and positions it for long-term growth and success.

Charlie holds an MBA from UCLA Anderson and a BA in English Literature from Pomona College. He currently resides in Singer Island with his wife, Alina, their dog, Saoirse, and a Maine Coon cat named Enya. Their home life revolves around food, movies, 1970s records, and a deep-seated Rummikub rivalry.