BlackRock Australia streamlines delivery of service to clients by merging distribution teams and making new appointments
BlackRock yesterday announced amalgamation of its institutional and retail distribution teams in Australia, along with six new appointments. The move will improve service to clients by streamlining delivery of the firm’s global investment capabilities and technology solutions.
Taking on a newly expanded role, Jason Collins becomes Head of Client Business partnering with Head of iShares Jon Howie and James Crozier, representing BlackRock Solutions. Together, they will develop outcome-focused strategies that will serve the firm’s clients in Australia to better effect.
Dominik Rohe, Country Head for BlackRock Australia, said yesterday’s announcement reflects an evolution of the market in Australia, consistent with global trends.
Mr. Rohe said: “Regulatory reform, advances in portfolio risk and compliance technology – as well as developments in advice and retirement solutions – have blurred the line between Australia’s institutional and wealth sectors. This creates enormous opportunities for the superannuation and advice industry.”
He added: “A foundation of risk and investment management positions BlackRock well to work with institutional clients and wealth practices alike, as they strive to meet regulatory guidelines, cope with a lower-return environment and help their clients achieve long term goals. Jason has led a successful institutional business over the past three-and-a-half years, and his experience in the wealth sector positions him well to manage BlackRock’s distribution efforts, while building long-lasting and impactful partnerships with our Australian client base.”
BlackRock’s client business also benefits from a number of appointments, which become effective over the next month or so. Paula Gigler from Vanguard, joins BlackRock in iShares as a Vice President covering private banks and brokers, while James Stewart joins as an Associate from FIIG Securities to cover iShares in New South Wales and Queensland. Dan Annan, Vice President, relocates from San Francisco to join the iShares fixed income distribution team, and Stuart Anderson, Director, relocates from London to join the Transition Management and Market Structure team. Dylan Wedande joins from Rothschild Wealth Management UK to work as an associate in the Melbourne institutional team, while Jackson Lee joins from BT Financial Group as an analyst in the research house relations team.
Jason Collins said: “Bringing together the institutional and retail distribution teams will allow us to explore synergies between the two disciplines and think through new ways of serving our clients in Australia. Meanwhile, we are delighted to welcome new colleagues to our growing client business and look forward to making yet more appointments over coming months.”
