Principal Global Investors, LLC, a leading global asset manager and a member of Principal Financial Group®, today announced the appointment of Peter Smyth as Chief Operating Officer and Head of Product, Australia.
Mr Smyth will be based in Sydney and will report directly to Grant Forster, Principal Global Investors’ Chief Executive (Australia). In this role, Mr Smyth will work closely with Mr Forster in developing strategy and operational infrastructure to drive business growth in Australia.
Mr Forster said: “Peter’s appointment to this newly created role is driven by the strong growth of the Australian business over the last twelve months, especially with respect to global property securities, emerging market equities and currency management.
“Peter’s expertise and experience in product strategy and exceptional track record managing the life cycle of products and sales activities is an asset to Principal Global Investors. I have no doubt that he will support the next step in the evolution of our business and look forward to working with him to achieve this vision.”
Mr Smyth joins from AMP Capital Investors where he was Head of Product. He has over two decades’ experience and has held a number of senior roles in product strategy including at Fidelity Investments Australia as Director, at Perpetual Investments as Head of Product, and BT Funds Management as Senior Vice President and Head of Product.
Commenting on his appointment, Mr Smyth said: “I am pleased to join Principal Global Investors with its multi-asset capabilities, global scope and investment solutions. I look forward to working closely with Grant to develop growth strategies for Australia.”