Research house van Eyk has introduced the new role of head of ratings to allow the current head of research, John O’Brien, to concentrate on more strategic responsibilities.
The firm’s previous head of Australian and New Zealand equity sector reviews, Matthew Olsen (pictured), will begin as head of ratings immediately.
Olsen joined van Eyk in January, 2011. Prior to this he worked as a senior investment analyst at Colonial First State, the Lowy Family Group, Ausbil Dexia and JP Morgan.
The new appointment will allow O’Brien to concentrate on strategic research unit responsibilities and forthcoming changes to the strategic asset allocation, a statement said.
Van Eyk chief executive Mark Thomas said he was integral to the decision in introducing the new structure, stating that culture was of paramount importance and the appointment of someone of Olsen’s calibre would foster depth and experience in the team.
