Schroders Australia leadership update: Simon Doyle to retire, Alison Telfer appointed CEO
Schroders Australia has announced that Simon Doyle, Chief Executive Officer, will retire from the business in early 2026 following an outstanding 22-year career with the company and more than 38 years in the investment industry. Simon feels that it is the right time to step back from a full-time executive role and consider other ways in which to contribute to the industry, as well as spending more time with his family and two grandchildren.
After a thorough search, we are pleased to announce that Alison Telfer will succeed Simon as Chief Executive Officer. Alison is a highly credentialled and experienced leader in the Australian funds management industry having most recently held the role of Chief Executive Officer and Country Head of UBS Asset Management, Australasia since January 2022. She joined from Blackrock where she spent over eight years in senior leadership roles including Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director of Australasia. She is also currently serving as Chair of the Funds Management Committee Board of the Financial Services Council, and a director on the Financial Services Council board.
Alison will commence her role of Chief Executive Officer at Schroders Australia in February 2026. Simon will remain in his current role until this time before stepping down after an appropriate transition period. Alison will report directly to Meagen Burnett in London, Schroders Plc Group Chief Financial Officer (as Simon currently does). Alison’s appointment is reflective of Schroders’ commitment to the Australian market and our optimism about the opportunities for growth from both our Australian manufacturing capabilities and our global platform.
Commenting on Alison’s appointment, Meagen Burnett, Schroders Plc Group Chief Financial Officer, said: “Alison was the standout candidate to lead the Australian business and build on Simon’s success. Her experience, strategic mindset, energy, and knowledge of the Australian financial landscape will be critical as we look to build on the positive momentum in the Australian business and its valued contribution to the growth of Schroders Plc.”
Simon Doyle joined Schroders Australia in 2003. He led Schroders’ Australian Fixed Income and Multi-Asset capabilities for over 15 years, including the establishment and management of the well-regarded Schroder Real Return Fund and is recognised as a pioneer of objective-based, multi-asset investment approaches in Australia. Since moving into the CEO role in 2023, Simon has led the business through a period of internal and industry change and led efforts to sharpen our product focus to achieve scale and meet future demand. The Australian business is in good shape with positive flows, rising AUM and solid true-to-label investment performance across key capabilities.
Commenting on Simon’s decision to retire from the business, Meagen Burnett said: “Simon has made a truly exceptional contribution to Schroders over his 22 years with the business. His pioneering approach to multi-asset investing and commitment to innovation set a new standard in our market. More recently, under his leadership as CEO, our Australian business has successfully navigated ongoing industry change and transformation within the wider Schroders business globally, ensuring we continue to deliver for our local clients and position Schroders for future growth.”
Simon Doyle, CEO, Schroders Australia, said: “It has been a privilege to lead Schroders Australia as CEO, and previously as Head of the Multi-Asset and Fixed Income investment teams. The business is in good shape. We are seeing positive flows in all major strategies, and our investment teams are performing well. Alison is an experienced investment leader, the right person to take Schroders forward in Australia, and now is the right time to make this transition. I look forward to watching the business thrive under her leadership”.
Commenting on her appointment Alison Telfer said: “I have admired Schroders’ strength in investing and commitment to the Australian investment community over many years. I am thrilled to take the baton from Simon to lead this wonderful business and continue to build upon the exceptional capabilities of the local and global platform.”
Schroders has operated in Australia for more than 60 years, marking this significant milestone last year. The business remains resilient and is well-positioned for its next phase of leadership and growth, with an unwavering commitment to earning client trust by delivering innovative, client-centric investment solutions and delivering prosperity together.
