Mercer Investment Consulting has announced changes to its management structure in what it describes as a move to position the company for continued growth throughout the Asia Pacific region.
Business leader for Mercer Investment Consulting Asia Pacific Tony Cole said the new management structure was designed to ensure the interests of Mercer’s clients throughout the region are best served, while growth opportunities in Asia are pursued.
“Institutional investor activity in Asia has rapidly advanced in recent years and we have worked hard to build our presence in key Asian markets. Our aim is to become the number one consultant in the Asia Pacific region,” he said.
Under the new structure, Simon Eagleton has been appointed Business Leader for Mercer Investment Consulting, Australia and New Zealand.
Cole said that Eagleton would provide strong leadership in the Australia and New Zealand market, which remained an important element in ensuring the company’s future success in the region.
“Simon is one of Australia’s leading investment consultants and is well known to, and highly regarded by many in the industry. Simon will enjoy the confidence of clients and industry participants alike. He is a home grown talent who has worked with Mercer in both Australia and Hong Kong for over 14 years,” he added.
Anthony Lane has been appointed operations manager, Asia Pacific, an extension of the role he has played in the Australian business over the last year.
“With our new management team in place, we are now better positioned to deliver excellent outcomes to clients and to capitalise on the market opportunities in Australia, New Zealand and the rest of the Asia Pacific region,” Cole said.
Barry Sheehan has been appointed chief executive officer of Tyndall following the retirement of Michael Good after nearly seven years in the role.
Sheehan was previously chief executive officer at HSBC Asset Management. Prior to joining HSBC, he was head of retail funds management at IOOF during its transition from focussing on friendly society services to funds management.
Announcing the new appointment, Promina chief executive, financial services, Dennis Fox acknowledged Good’s contribution in building Tyndall as a strong investment management business.
“We are particularly grateful that, after he had let us know he wanted to retire by the end of 2005, Michael stayed until we could find a replacement who was qualified to lead Tyndall in the next phase of its development, thus ensuring a smooth transition,” Fox said.
“Barry’s wide experience in asset management businesses, particularly his strong retail involvement coupled with his superior track record, makes him the ideal choice to lead Tyndall after Michael, taking it forward to meet its business objectives.”
Ausbil Dexia has announced the appointment of Matthew Okkerse as its new equities dealer.
Okkerse joins Ausbil with over seven years experience, having worked in the stockbroking industry as an adviser and dealer with Shaw Stockbroking and Tolhurst Noall.
“Due to the expansion of Ausbil Dexia over a number of years and an increase number of mandated portfolios, it’s been necessary for Ausbil to graduate to a centralised equities dealer capability,” said Paul Xiradis, chief executive officer of Ausbil Dexia.
“This role will enhance Ausbil’s communications in the equities market and facilitate timely and cost efficient sourcing of liquidity and execution.” he said.
“Our focus is to continue to build Ausbil Dexia into a major equity specialist by achieving consistently superior returns from its Australian equity and Emerging Leaders portfolios.”
Legal firm Freehills has moved to strengthen its position in the financial services arena with the return to the firm of Michael Vrisakis.
Vrisakis has rejoined Freehills as a partner in their National Funds Management team and will add to the expertise of the firm in superannuation, life and general insurance and managed investments.
Vrisakis has had numerous successes in acting for major life companies, trustees and employers, and in many significant restructurings. He has regularly worked with the industry on key legal developments such as facilitating superannuation fund mergers and most recently in the area of superannuation fund trustee investment strategies. He is the NSW executive of the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia and a member of the Law Council of Australia’s Superannuation Committee.
In making the announcement, Freehills chief executive officer Gavin Bell said he was delighted that Vrisakis had decided to return to the firm.
