Citi Australia has appointed Nicki Ashton to senior relationship manager of the bank’s markets function to help meet increased client activity, focussing on the superannuation sector.
Ashton joined with experience across banking and asset management, with more than 25 years’ experience in financial services. She had worked previously in the bank’s equities and trading business before moving to asset management, where she had held several management positions, most recently with IFM Investors and Pendal Group.
Commenting on the appointment, head of investor sales for Citi Australia and New Zealand, Mark Woodruff, said Ashton’s significant industry experience would be integral to cementing Citi’s leadership position in the superannuation and asset management sector.
“It’s great to welcome Nicki back to Citi, where she will be responsible for the growth of some of our largest clients, particularly within the superannuation sector,” Woodruff said.
“The super sector has been a key area of focus across the markets platform and continues to provide increasing opportunities in both local and offshore markets as the funds internalise their investment function and seek to increase exposure to international markets.
“Nicki will work closely with product partners and the global relationship management team to ensure Citi remains a top tier global counterparty for this sector.”
Commenting on her appointment, Ashton said: “I am thrilled to return to Citi. Throughout my career I have forged long-standing relationships and networks across the finance and super industries, and I look forward to leveraging this as we grow our footprint in the super sector”.
With Damian Graham stepping into a new capacity within the $190 billion super fund ahead of his retirement, a global search is set to commence for his replacement.
Cbus has swiftly promoted Leigh Gavin to chief investment officer only months after naming him deputy, as the fund works towards growing in size and bringing its investment expertise in-house.
Bravura CEO Andrew Russell has announced he will be stepping down from the company, just under two years after his appointment.
The $16 billion fund has teamed up with a retirement income product specialist to give its members more confidence to spend in retirement.