Aust Unity signs-up new investment head

Australian Unity has moved quickly by appointing former Perpetual private clients manager David Bryant as head of its funds management division and filling the role of soon to depart Jon Linehan.

In his new position, Bryant will take responsibility for both managed funds and property investments, a situation the company had three years ago when there was one overall general manager responsible for all the funds management operations.

In 2001, the property management business was separated and Australian Unity group managing director Rohan Mead says the appointment of Bryant will not affect the role of Martin Hessian, existing general manager property.

“Martin will continue in his role with all the same responsibilities of running the property investments,” Mead says.

“The only change is he will report to David instead of to me,” he says.

Mead says the integration of the two investment areas will allow more effective business and product development, while strengthening compliance support and creating efficiencies in the administration.

“The appointment and new investment structure further strengthens our management and improves co-ordination across all investment activities,” he says.

“As we implement our growth plans, we are committed to ensuring that we have adequate management controls and processes in place.”

Bryant has more than 20 years experience in financial services, having held a number of senior positions at Westpac, State Street and InTech before joining Perpetual in 2000.

At Australian Unity he will be responsible for all investment management activities, as well as business development, distribution, product development, compliance and administration.