Macquarie gets new retail head

Macquarie Professional Series has announced the appointment of Adrian Stewart as its new retail distribution head.

Macquarie head of sales and marketing for Macquarie Adviser Services Peter Shepherd said Stewart would bring skills and expertise that would drive Macquarie Professional Series.

In his new role, Stewart will be responsible for showcasing the quality of the funds and their managers to financial advisers nationwide, working closely alongside head of institutional distribution for the Macquarie Professional Series, Angus Carson. Carson has been in the role for 18 months, leading the institutional business development team.

“Macquarie Professional Series is an exclusive collection of what we believe are the best managers from around the globe in their particular style or asset class,” Shepherd said.

“The combination of high quality funds, plus Adrian’s expertise, should deliver real benefits to advisers and their clients.”

“Adrian has a huge amount of experience in the funds distribution business and also a network of close contacts throughout Australia’s financial planning community.”

With more than 16 years experience in the financial services industry, Stewart joins Macquarie from Challenger where he worked for five years, most recently as state manager for New South Wales.

At Challenger, Stewart was responsible for distributing a range of investment funds, including its own and those of affiliated businesses. He also spent time as the state manager in Queensland, before moving to Sydney with his family two years ago.