AMP has appointed former State Street Global Advisors (SSGA) executive Shawn Johnson as chief executive of AMP Capital.
Johnson previously worked as senior managing director and chairman of the investment committee at SSGA for almost a decade. In the role, he had global oversight and responsibility for over 450 investment strategies and US$2.1 trillion in client assets. He left the firm in 2013 and had since been running his own alternative investment business including a global macro hedge fund.
At AMP Capital, he would lead the firm’s international growth strategy and the proposed de-merger of the private markets business which was expected to complete in the first half of 2022.
He would be scheduled to start on 28 June, based in Sydney, while David Atkin, deputy AMP Capital chief executive, would continue in his role until 31 July to facilitate a smooth handover.
The appointment followed the departure of Boe Pahari as AMP Capital chief executive last August after a sexual harassment allegation and the role had been filled by Francesco De Ferrari in the interim.
AMP chair, Debra Hazelton, said: “Shawn’s extensive experience and knowledge of global investment management, particularly private markets, makes him an exceptional leader for AMP Capital.
“His experience as a leader in one of the world’s largest asset management firms, State Street Global Advisors, where he played a key role in markedly growing the business and navigating the global financial crisis, will be invaluable.”
Johnson said: “AMP Capital is a globally-respected investment manager, and I’m excited by the significant potential for international growth but also in Australia. I’m confident of its underlying strength and the depth of its investment, distribution, and operational talent. Our focus will be to harness these strengths as we set up as a new, independent organisation following separation from AMP.
“It’s an exciting challenge to which I believe I can bring my experience, passion and energy for growing businesses and leading a highly skilled organisation. I look forward to working alongside our talented teams, meeting our key clients, and moving our business forward.”
Meanwhile, Alexis George would be scheduled to start her role as chief executive of AMP on 2 August, the firm said. Chief financial officer, James Georgeson, would hold the role in the interim period between De Ferrari leaving on 30 June.
