David Hanzl
Aberdeen Standard Investments (ASI) has appointed David Hanzl as Head of Wholesale – Asia Pacific and Sean Lee as Head of Institutional Sales – South East Asia. The appointments strengthen its Asia Pacific distribution team and reaffirm the company’s commitment to driving client-led growth in the region.
In his new role, David will be responsible for delivering ASI’s wholesale distribution strategy and building out its wholesale franchise in Asia Pacific. David brings to the team two decades of client, fund distribution and operating experience in the wealth and asset management industry, including 13 years in Asia, as well as deep insights into product trends in the region. He will be based in Hong Kong.
David joins ASI from UBS Asset Management where he was Head of Regional Operating Office for Asia Pacific since 2014, as well as Global Wholesale Business Manager from 2016 to 2019. He was instrumental in developing – in partnership with the Wholesale Head – the global strategy, product positioning and offering for its wholesale business. He was also a member of the UBS Asset Management Global Operating and APAC Management Committees. In his 22 years’ career with UBS, David held various leadership roles across its global wealth management and asset management businesses. He was previously responsible for its platform fund sales activities including shelf management, positioning, book steering, after-sales and fund offering for its Asia Pacific wealth management franchise.
Sean Lee, Head of Consultant Relations – Asia Pacific at ASI, will be assuming an additional role as Head of Institutional Sales, South East Asia. Based in Singapore, he will continue to lead the regional consultant relations team, whilst also responsible for broadening and deepening the company’s institutional client base and bringing more customised outcome-oriented solutions to address the investment needs of South East Asian asset owners.
With 20 years’ asset management experience in Asia Pacific, Sean possesses a deep understanding of client needs and a proven track record in growing businesses across the wholesale, consultant and institutional channels. Prior to his 14 years’ career with ASI, he held senior sales and leadership roles with Credit Suisse and the National Australia Bank.
Andrew Hendry, Head of Distribution – Asia Pacific at Aberdeen Standard Investments, commented: “We are delighted to expand our Asia Pacific distribution team at a time when our clients are increasingly seeking sustainable and outcome-oriented solutions to meet their financial goals. David brings an established track record in wholesale business management, fund advisory and product platform development, whilst Sean has been key in building strong relationships with a wide network of Asian institutional investors and consultants over the years. Both of them are well placed to build on the solid foundations we have in the region to help drive our growth strategy.”
As part of its regional growth strategy, ASI is committed to delivering a broader suite of sustainable investment solutions to its clients in Asia Pacific. This year, it has developed a new wholesale model which combines market-leading technology, separately managed accounts (SMAs) and the company’s global funds to help wealth managers in Asia tackle the increasing challenges of balancing regulatory risks, profitability and revenue goals.