Janus Capital Group Inc. (NYSE: JNS) today announced that investment manager Dan Kozlowski, a former Janus portfolio manager, will return to the firm on June 13, 2011 to spearhead Janus’ alternatives product expansion and to succeed David Decker as manager of Janus Contrarian Fund. Decker has decided to leave the company on June 30, 2011 to establish an independent asset management firm.

“David has been an excellent steward of capital during his time at Janus and he has served our shareholders well,” said Chief Executive Officer Dick Weil. “We wish him the very best and we hope to have the opportunity to work with him again once he gets his new firm established.”

What makes Janus great is its commitment to excellence and to clients,” said Decker. “I am grateful for my time at Janus and am looking forward to building an asset management firm that upholds these same standards.”

Kozlowski, who was with Janus from 1999 until 2008, is the founder of Chicago-based Plaisance Capital LLC, a boutique alternatives investment firm. Kozlowski will continue managing Plaisance’s hedge fund and he will play an integral role in managing absolute return and alternative investment products that will be developed for institutional investors. Veteran investor Hiroshi Yoh, who joined Janus’ Singapore office in April as manager of Asian equity strategies, will also contribute his expertise managing alternatives.

During Kozlowski’s previous Janus tenure, he was an equity analyst as well as co-portfolio manager of the Janus Long/Short Fund with Decker.

“Dan is a talented investor who has successfully managed both traditional and alternative strategies,” said Co-Chief Investment Officer, Equities Jonathan Coleman. “His previous experience working closely with David Decker and our research team will result in a smooth transition of Janus Contrarian Fund portfolio, and positions the firm to offer alternative products that are a natural extension of our fundamental investment philosophy.”