Investment group Future Generation has appointed its first chief investment officer who joins from Perpetual Asset Management.
Lee Hopperton was previously the head of private wealth at Perpetual Asset Management for two years and spent almost three years as the head of high net worth distribution at Pendal Group, which was acquired by Perpetual in January 2023.
Prior to this, he worked as the chief executive and head of distribution at Australian equities fund manager Auscap Asset Management.
At Future Generation, he will work across its three funds: listed investment companies Future Generation Australia and Future Generation Global, and unlisted trust Future Generation Women.
The firm, which has $1.4 billion in funds under management, has a philanthropic stance which focuses on organisations that support children and youth at risk and mental health. Some 1 per cent of its assets are invested in the firm’s social impact partners and other non-profit organisations, achieved by waiving its management and performance fees.
It intends to donate $100 million by 2030, having already donated more than $87 million since its launch in 2014.
Its newest fund – Future Generation Women – was launched last December and invests in both Australian and global equities, focusing on companies with a strong track record of gender-diverse leadership, equitable pay, and policies that support work/life balance and the advancement of women.
Marking a first in Australia, the fund features an all-female, 12-person portfolio management team with managers including Nikki Thomas from Magellan and Vihari Ross from Antipodes Partners.
Caroline Gurney, chief executive of Future Generation, said: “Lee’s appointment adds significant investment and distribution muscle to our operations and will elevate our growth strategy to the next level.
“We are thrilled to have someone of Lee’s calibre join the team. His understanding of listed equities, extensive industry knowledge and relationships will help boost Future Generation’s reach, as well as our ability to provide both strong shareholder returns and funding to vital social causes.”
Hopperton said: “Future Generation is an incredible model which makes a significant social impact without compromising investment returns. This is a rare and exciting opportunity in financial services as the model has generated solid returns with lower volatility. I am looking forward to ensuring that more people understand just how powerful Future Generation is.”
