Schroders Australia, ClearBridge and GAM have all made new hires in their distribution teams, focusing on wealth and financial advisers.
Schroders has appointed Jude Fernandez as head of intermediary, based in Sydney, reporting to head of client group, Australia, Ray Macken.
Fernandez will join the asset manager in late April and previously worked as a distribution manager for Copia Investment Partners for five years. He also spent four years prior to this as national sales manager at Paradice Investment Management.
The asset manager said Fernandez has a “strong history” with Schroders as he previously spent a decade at the firm, from 2005 to 2015 as a national account manager.
Schroders Australia chief executive and chief investment officer, Simon Doyle, said: “Jude is a well-respected, passionate and collaborative sales leader, who has established strong connections with our wealth clients across various levels and geographies. I am confident that he will make an immediate and valuable contribution to the firm.
“He has a proven track record gained, not only during his time at Schroders, but also over the past nine years which have been spent in distribution roles.
“His background and experience round out the skill set of the distribution team. He is an excellent fit with the business.”
Meanwhile, GAM has appointed Alexandra Williamson from First Sentier Investors as a distribution manager for institutions and wealth advisory. Also based in Sydney, she will report to Alex Zaika, GAM’s head of Australia.
Prior to joining GAM, she spent three years as an institutional business development consultant and formerly spent two years at Maple-Brown Abbott.
The firm said this appointment will expand GAM’s local presence and deepen its relationships with institutions, advisers and family offices in Australia.
Zaika said: “We are delighted to welcome Alexandra, who will further support GAM’s growth across both institutional and wealth advisory markets in Australia. Her understanding of the nuanced requirements of insurers, pensions and family offices will allow us to provide solutions to meet their needs.”
Finally, ClearBridge Investments has appointed Devin O’Keefe from Australian Ethical as a business development manager where he will oversee the intermediary sales function across Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania.
This will focus on partnering with financial advisers to address their equity investment needs as the firm seeks to expand its equity capabilities in Australia.
Nathan Ahboo, head of Australian intermediary sales, said: “We are thrilled to have Devin join ClearBridge Investments. His wealth of experience and industry expertise make him an excellent addition to our team.
“Devin’s role will be instrumental in the distribution of our award-winning global listed infrastructure strategies and the upcoming launch of the Global Growth and Global Value Improvers equity capabilities in Australia. Furthermore, his appointment underscores our commitment to recruiting excellent talent and reinforces our presence in the Australian market.”
