New lead partner appointed to Perpetual’s wealth management division

Perpetual’s wealth management arm is welcoming an experienced corporate leader to its team.

The firm has announced the appointment of Tania Cecconi as lead partner in Western Australia, where she will be responsible for working across the private wealth segment.

According to the firm, she will also work on community and social investment, including philanthropy, not-for-profit, senior living and First Nations communities.

Cecconi joins Perpetual with a corporate career spanning more than two decades, having held senior and executive-level roles in a range of sectors.

Most recently, she was the program director of the Champions of Change Coalition, and served as an executive officer of CEOs for Gender Equality Inc. for more than six years.

Managing partner for private clients, Andrew Baker, said: “We are thrilled to have someone of Tania’s calibre and experience join our WA team. Tania brings an extensive network of key relationships to draw upon as we continue growing our business in Western Australia.”

“As a passionate inclusion and diversity advocate and leadership coach, Tania’s capacity to foster creativity and collaboration will enable our teams to continue delivering advice, investment management and service excellence,” Baker continued.

Commenting on her appointment, Cecconi added: “Perpetual has a long and proud history of providing high-quality private wealth advice and service to a range of clients, and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to its ongoing growth and success.”

“I look forward to working with the talented team in WA and nationally, leveraging our combined skills to deliver exceptional results for our clients.”

In its half-year results posted in February, Perpetual’s underlying profit after tax (UPAT) grew 46 per cent in the first half of the 2024 financial year to $98.2 million.

In a statement to the ASX, it attributed the strong growth to a full six-month contribution of Pendal Group, which it acquired in January 2023, along with higher wealth management earnings.

Additionally, wealth management delivered underlying profit before tax (UPBT) of $26 million, driven by organic growth across all segments, and marking a rise of 18 per cent higher than the prior corresponding period.

Funds under administration (FUA) was $19 billion, up 7 per cent on 1H23, underpinned by improving equity markets, positive net flows, and investment performance.