Parametric appoints new manager of research and strategy
Eaton Vance-affiliate Parametric Portfolio Associates has announced the appointment of Whitlam Zhang as its new manager of research and strategy, Australia and New Zealand.
Zhang, who would be based in Sydney, would work closely with Parametric and Eaton Vance’s overseas offices to plan and deliver internal and client-facing thought leadership, including pieces relevant to Australian super funds, the firm said.
In his new role, he would also focus on the firm’s after-tax investing, post-retirement and responsible investing capabilities and would oversee Sydney-based analyst Joshua McKenzie.
Zhang, who joined Parametric in 2015, most recently worked with the firm’s global core platform technology team as enterprise data management architect.
Prior to this, he was a portfolio manager at a boutique Australian equities asset manager and previously worked in asset consulting at Russell Investments as well as an analyst with the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA).
Zhang would also replaces Raewyn Williams, who was leaving the firm after seven years to pursue other interests and would report to Chris Briant, head of Australia and New Zealand, Eaton Vance Management (International) and Paul Bouchey, global head of research at Parametric.
“Our Australian business has experienced significant growth in client assets under management and product breadth over the past eight years,” Briant said.
“In the next phase of our growth, Whitlam is critical to further developing our Australasian business. He has an intimate knowledge of the funds management industry, having consulted to superannuation funds in Australia, and has deep local subject-matter expertise. “All these experiences will prove invaluable in understanding and helping our clients in his new role.”
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