United names new distribution head

By Ben Abbott

UnitedFunds Management has appointed formerEquity Trusteesnational distribution manager Stan Bates and will now vigorously seek to grow its funds management and institutional asset consulting divisons.

United says Bates, who assumes the same role he held with his former employer, will be responsible for cultivating the group’s retail and wholesale funds management areas.

In addition Bates will focus on growing United’s consulting business by building relationships with advisers, supporting the group’s internal and external platforms, and assisting in the ongoing development of the group’s product range.

In his previous role at Equity Trustees, Bates was charged with growing the funds management division.

Bates also has experience as senior manager of business development forPortfolio Partners, where he was involved in building the retail investment side of the business. He has also worked as general manager of the State Superannuation Board of Victoria and investment strategy manager for the BHP Superannuation Funds.

United Funds Management managing director Chris Kelaher says that the experience and knowledge will help Bates in fulfilling his primary role in progressively broadening the group’s channels of distribution in 2004 and beyond.

Kelaher says the appointment will complement growth in United’s parent company,SMF Funds Management, following the group’s recently attained stake inDeakin Financial Servicesthrough the transfer ofAustChoice’s master trust business to Deakin in the recent merger of the two groups.