Bennelong Funds Management has appointed Amara Haqqani to the newly-created role of chief client strategy officer.
In the role, Haqqani would focus on identifying the needs of Bennelong’s clients, both domestically and offshore, and to ensure investment products and solutions were developed to meet those needs.
Haqqani was most recently a director for actuarial consulting firm Milliman, and had also held senior policy and compliance roles at the Financial Services Council, Challenger Limited and RBC Global Asset Management, as well as product roles at Equity Trustees, Orchard and Aviva.
She would be based in Sydney and report to chief executive, Craig Bingham, while Marta Galli, senior product manager, would report to Haqqani.
Bingham said Haqqani’s in-depth knowledge of funds management and financial policy and strategy would play a pivotal role as Bennelong continued to grow in Australia and beyond.
“The traditional client profile is changing, and we’re working in a more nuanced and complex environment,” Bingham said.
“It’s critical that we adapt and build solutions to meet those changing clients’ needs to ensure we remain relevant to our clients into the future.
“Amara’s extensive experience and passion for customer-centricity is the perfect fit for Bennelong in our ongoing commitment to put our clients at the heart of everything we do.”
Haqqani said she was now broadening her scope to all types of financial services clients after several years focused on superannuation members and their retirement income needs.
“I’m looking forward to using my experience across product, policy and risk management to further develop Bennelong’s offering,” Haqqani said.
The appointment followed a trio of recent hires at Bennelong’s UK arm, BennBridge.
Naureen Khan was appointed managing director, client group UK and Europe; Dicken Watson was appointed chief business officer and general counsel; and Charles Oldmeadow was appointed director, client group UK and Europe.
“Our global offering spans various audiences, but what remains consistent is our focus on delivering the best outcomes for our clients,” Bingham said.
“These appointments further strengthen our client capability as we position the business for the next phase in its growth – both here in Australia and overseas.”
