First Sentier appoints financial, strategy chief
First Sentier Investors has announced the hire of its incoming chief financial and strategy officer to drive growth.
Ashley Conn is set to take up the Sydney-based executive position in late May, replacing Noel O’Brien who served as interim chief financial and strategy officer.
This followed the departure of Suzanne Evans earlier this year, who previously held the chief financial and strategy officer position for nearly six years from 2019 to 2025.
Conn holds over 25 years of experience across finance and investment banking. He has held CFO roles at McMillan Shakespeare and CSG, having recently served as the interim general manager of group finance at Super Retail Group.
His career in investment banking includes working as an executive director at Goldman Sachs and vice president at Morgan Stanley.
According to First Sentier, Conn’s expertise will play a vital role in achieving the company’s strategic priorities as it seeks to drive further growth.
Mark Steinberg, First Sentier Investors’ chief executive, said the firm was delighted to welcome the incoming financial and strategy chief to the executive team.
“His extensive experience and strategic advisory roles will be invaluable as we continue to drive growth and deliver value to our stakeholders. Ashley’s proven track record in finance and investment banking will be instrumental in guiding our organisation’s financial strategy and operations,” Steinberg said.
Just last month, First Sentier announced it was entering the Australian exchange-traded fund (ETF) market by enabling financial advisers and investors to access an existing geared fund via an ETF structure.
Namely, the global investment manager confirmed it will apply to list its first ETF product, the First Sentier Geared Australian Share Fund Complex ETF (LEVR), on the ASX. It said it expects the investment vehicle to begin trading in mid-May 2025.
The incoming ETF will give Australian advisers and investors an additional way to access the existing First Sentier Geared Australian Share Fund. The fund seeks to deliver long-term growth by actively gearing a range of ASX 100 companies defined by strong balance sheets, ability to grow cash flows, and liquidity.
Amid the rising demand for ETFs throughout Australia, the firm’s chief commercial officer, Harry Moore, said the product may attract new clients who may not have traditionally considered investing via managed funds.
“Given the increasing demand for ETFs, we’re excited to provide our clients with an additional way to access our active investment approach via this structure and expand our offering to new clients who may not have traditionally considered investing via managed funds,” Moore said.
“We will continue to assess opportunities to meet evolving client needs and broaden access to our suite of investment strategies.”
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Jasmine Siljic
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