Josh Barton, head of institutional sales at MFS Investment Management, has been named managing director and head of Australia and New Zealand, effective 1 September 2023.
He takes the reins from senior managing director Marian Poirier, who will retire from MFS in April 2024.
Presently, MFS services some $29 billion of client assets in Australia and Zealand.
According to Poirier, the firm’s diversification into fixed income is well underway and the team, led by Barton, is well-prepared for the next phase.
“Josh has played a key role in solidifying our presence across the region and helping to foster our local culture. He is more than ready to lead the team in the years ahead,” Poirier said.
“Playing the long game at MFS extends beyond how we invest and how we manage the business, but importantly, it also has to do with how we manage our people, and this transition is a further example of this.”
Barton, who joined the firm in 2012, has over two decades of industry experience. Prior to MFS, he spent 11 years at BlackRock across several roles, including director and senior account manager in the global client group.
Commenting on his appointment, he said: “I am proud to have been chosen to lead MFS’ business in Australia and New Zealand. I am committed to being a strong leader for the team and continuing to serve our clients with what I believe to be best-in-class investment solutions.”
Carol Geremia, MFS head of global distribution, thanked Poirier for her contribution to the firm over the years, having worked as head of Australia and New Zealand since May 2012. She also highlighted the succession planning process that had gone into Barton’s selection.
“I have worked closely with her for many years, and she has been a great asset to the firm and the wider investment community,” she said.
“As part of MFS’ thoughtful and transparent approach to long-term succession planning, Marian has been working closely with Josh on the transition and will continue to do so until Q1 2024.
“We feel it is important to provide a lengthy transition period as it ensures both a smooth transition of responsibilities and an uninterrupted continuity of services to our clients.”
