Based in Sydney, he started the role on 9 May and would work closely with Rob Mead, head of PIMCO Australia and co-head of portfolio management, to lead Australia’s growth strategy.
He would have local oversight of business management functions and report to Alec Kersman, head of Asia Pacific.
Watkins joined the firm from Goldman Sachs where he was managing director and head of equity finance product, Asia Pacific. Prior to that, he worked at Deutsche Ban, Credit Suisse and Macquarie Bank.
Mead said: “Sam brings a differentiated skill set that will further empower our team and help deepen and broaden PIMCO’s client relationships. We look forward to partnering with Sam to continue to deliver innovative solutions and exemplary client service”.
Kersman added: “Sam is a tremendous addition to our firm and to our business leadership in Australia. Sam will lead our talented teams in these markets to continue to deliver PIMCO’s industry-leading investment solutions”.
