Magellan Financial Group has announced the retirement of John Sevior, founder of subsidiary Airlie Funds Management (Airlie), effective June 2023.
Sevior — a 30-year veteran of the funds management industry — founded Airlie in 2012 after 17 years of service across senior leadership roles at Perpetual.
Sevior’s portfolio management responsibilities were expected to be transitioned to Matt Williams, who had been appointed as Airlie’s head of Australian equities.
Williams was set to work alongside Emma Fisher, deputy head of Australian equities and portfolio manager of the Airlie Australian Share Fund.
He held 25 years’ experience in investment management, including a stint as head of equities at Perpetual from 2011 to 2015, before joining Airlie in July 2016 as portfolio manager on behalf of institutional and retail clients.
Magellan CEO, David George, thanked Mr Sevior for his service to the firm.
“I would like to acknowledge and thank John for his superb leadership and contribution to Airlie and the broader Magellan business,” he said.
“As the founder of Airlie, John successfully established, built, and led an outstanding Australian equities funds management team and business.
“His retirement marks the conclusion of a remarkable career where he excelled as a portfolio manager and as an industry leader.”
Reflecting on his tenure with Airlie, Sevior said he was proud of the firm’s achievements, particularly following Magellan’s acquisition.
“I am immensely proud of what Airlie has been able to accomplish for its clients and staff and am delighted that, since partnering with Magellan in 2018, Airlie has continued to enhance its offering and provide strong outcomes for our institutional and retail clients,” he said.
“I am confident that the Airlie business is left in outstanding and experienced hands with the leadership of Matt Williams and Emma Fisher and a talented team of investment analysts and financial service professionals, and I look forward to supporting a smooth transition.
“Finally, I would like to thank Magellan and its staff for their exceptional support and dedication.”
Williams added: “It has been an honour and privilege to work closely with John for over 20 years, and now to lead Airlie forward. Airlie remains committed and aligned to serving our clients over the long term as part of Magellan.”
