Principal appoints new head of Asia

Principal Global Investors has appointed a new managing director to head up its Asian operations, with Sydney-based head of strategic business development Hazel McNeilage relocating to Singapore in August to assume the role.

McNeilage, who has over 25 years experience in financial services and replaces Ian Simmonds who is relocating to the US, will focus on strengthening the group’s regional hub base in the country. She will also focus on other group operations in the region including Principal’s joint venture operations in Malaysia and India.

“Asia is an important region for Principal Global Investors and we see considerable growth potential for our services. Hazel’s extensive international experience, including her previous involvement in the Asian region mean that she is very well placed to lead our Asian business forward,” says Principal chief operating officer, Michael Migro.

Prior to being head of strategic business development for Principal, McNeilage was regional director of asset consulting forTowers Perrin.

Her Australian role will now fall under the expanded responsibility of Principal head of sales, Richard Borysiewicz.

Elizabeth Drew, a Sydney based member of Principal’s international sales team, will assume McNeilage’s domestic marketing and product development responsibilities and report to Borysiewicz.