Michael Wright will succeed Peter Smith as Chair. Importantly, Smith will remain deeply involved as Founder, Evidentia Group Board Member, Generation Development Group (GDG) Director and Executive Director across GDG. He will continue to play an active role with Evidentia clients, strategic relationships, and in overseeing future strategic initiatives.

This transition reflects the Group’s long-term governance and succession planning and the Board’s commitment to continuity, stability, and sustained strategic execution as Evidentia enters its next phase of growth.

Introducing Louise Watson

Louise Watson is a highly regarded asset management executive with extensive experience leading growth and transformation across global and domestic markets. Most recently Country Head of Natixis Investment Managers Australia and New Zealand, she was responsible for driving operational transformation, expanding and diversifying institutional and adviser distribution capability, and accelerating both organic and inorganic growth.

Her career spans senior roles with leading global financial institutions including JPMorgan, Man Group, Credit Suisse, Aberdeen and Challenger. Across these organisations she played a pivotal role in developing multi-affiliate investment platforms, strengthening institutional and wealth distribution strategies and supporting advisers, wealth firms and institutional clients with differentiated investment solutions across public and private markets.

Louise is recognised for her strategic leadership, strong commercial acumen, and client-focused approach. She brings deep investment, distribution and advice industry expertise, with a strong ability to bridge sophisticated investment capability with adviser and client outcomes. Louise’s appointment comes at an important point in Evidentia Group’s growth journey, with her expertise expected to accelerate distribution opportunities and scale platform capability as the business enters its next phase.
Wright will work closely with Watson to ensure a seamless leadership transition and maintain strategic momentum across the Group.

Continued leadership and strategic stewardship

As Chair, Wright will remain closely involved in Evidentia Group’s strategic direction, corporate governance, and long-term growth agenda.

Under Smith’s and Wright’s leadership at Evidentia and Wright’s tenure as CEO of the Lonsec Group, the businesses have been reshaped and strengthened within the Australian financial services sector. Wright led the integration of Evidentia and Lonsec Investment Solutions into a scaled, market-leading managed accounts platform, while enhancing governance and risk and delivering sustained, innovation-driven growth for advisers and clients, firmly positioning Evidentia Group as one of the most trusted and progressive organisations in the managed accounts industry.

Reflecting on his transition to Executive Chair, Michael Wright said: “Leading Lonsec Group and Evidentia Group has been one of the most rewarding chapters of my career. I am incredibly proud of the transformation we have achieved and the strong, future-focused organisation that has been built.

“As the Group enters its next phase of growth, I am excited with the addition of Louise and her significant expertise and look forward to supporting Louise and the leadership team as Evidentia’s Chair. This transition allows me to continue contributing to Evidentia’s long-term strategy, governance and ambition while ensuring the business remains well positioned for the future.”

Further reflecting on the transition, Founder and Director of Evidentia Group – Peter Smith said, “It has been particularly rewarding to see Evidentia and Lonsec Investment Solutions come together under Mike’s tenure as CEO to create a scaled and leading managed accounts business, which has continued to grow and strengthen its position in the market.”

Support from Generation Development Group

Grant Hackett, CEO of Generation Development Group, said: “Mike has demonstrated exceptional leadership throughout his time leading Evidentia Group and Lonsec Group. His strategic vision, focus on governance and risk, and commitment to delivering value for advisers and clients have been instrumental in shaping these businesses.

“We are delighted that Mike will continue to play a critical role as Chair of Evidentia Group, providing continuity and strategic leadership as the organisation enters its next phase.

“Importantly, we are pleased that Peter Smith continues to play an active and influential role across Evidentia and GDG as Founder and Director, maintaining strong continuity across clients, market relationships and strategic initiatives.

“We welcome Evidentia Group’s new CEO – Louise Watson, a highly experienced asset management leader with a proven track record in scaling investment businesses and driving strategic growth, who will commence in the role in August.

“GDG remains strongly committed to supporting and investing in Evidentia’s next phase of growth. The combination of ASX 200 backing and preserving the entrepreneurial culture of the business positions Evidentia strongly for continued expansion.”

A planned and positive transition

The Board emphasised that this transition is the outcome of a structured and considered succession process, designed to support Evidentia Group’s long-term growth strategy.

Evidentia Group remains focused on delivering exceptional outcomes for advisers, clients and shareholders, and this leadership evolution underscores the Group’s commitment to strong governance, continuity, momentum and market leadership.

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Gareth brings more than 20 years of experience across financial markets, economic policy and sovereign debt management in both Australia and the United Kingdom. His background spans senior roles in government and financial institutions and includes deep expertise in macroeconomic analysis and policy interpretation.

Most recently, Gareth served as Head of Australian Economics at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), where he led the development and communication of the Group’s central view on the domestic economy and monetary policy outlook. Under his leadership, CBA’s economics team was recognised as one of Australia’s leading macro research groups.

Gareth is widely regarded for his ability to translate complex economic themes into clear, practical insights for advisers and investors. He has presented extensively to institutional audiences, adviser networks, boards and policymakers, and is a regular contributor across Australian media. His earlier career includes senior roles at the UK Debt Management Office and NSW Treasury. Gareth holds a Master of Commerce and a Bachelor of Agricultural Economics (Honours) from the University of Sydney.

Supporting advisers with continued depth and insight

In his new role at Evidentia Group, Gareth will be responsible for leading the firm’s macroeconomic research capability, providing deep strategic insights into interest rates, inflation, currency movements and global market forces. His work will support advisers with clear and nuanced perspectives on portfolio positioning — helping them guide clients through changing economic conditions with confidence.

Evidentia Group Chief Investment Officer, Darren Beesley, welcomed the appointment, saying, “Gareth is one of the most respected economic voices in Australia. His ability to connect big-picture economic themes with practical investment decisions will be invaluable to our advisers and their clients. We are thrilled to welcome him to our investment team.”

Gareth said he is excited to join Evidentia Group at a pivotal time for economic policy and markets, “The investment landscape is evolving rapidly, and advisers are looking for clear, evidence-based guidance to help clients navigate uncertainty. I’m looking forward to contributing to Evidentia’s investment process and helping advisers turn economic insight into real strategic advantage.”

Gareth will officially join the Evidentia Team in early April, reporting into Chief Investment Officer – Darren Beesley.

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Nathan Lim

Evidentia Group is proud to celebrate the retirement of Nathan Lim, after an impressive 30-year career, shaping investment strategies and driving innovation in financial services.

Nathan currently serves as Chief Investment Strategist at Evidentia Group, shaping the firm’s market voice, leading the Lonsec Investment Solutions (LIS) portfolio management team and driving strong client outcomes. During his tenure as Chief Investment Officer at LIS he and the team drove portfolio construction and asset allocation. Previously, he held senior roles at Australian Ethical, championing responsible investing, and at Morgan Stanley, delivering world-class research and client solutions.

As Nathan transitions into retirement, he is working closely with Darren Beesley, Evidentia Group’s Chief Investment Officer, to ensure a seamless handover. There are no changes to the portfolio management of any client portfolios, with all Evidentia Group’s Portfolio Managers remaining in place (including Deanne Baker, Dan Moradi and Nick Field, all who have extensive tenures with LIS). The portfolio management team forms part of Beesley’s broader Investment division, ensuring stability and continuity for clients. Beesley has 20 years’ experience in funds management and asset consulting, most recently leading AMP Capital’s $80 billion multi-asset portfolio team, and previously managing diversified strategies at Perpetual. Executive Director of Investment Management, Troy Swann continues to focus on the group’s go-forward strategy and governance framework.

Reflecting on his career, Nathan says, “For more than 30 years, I have had the privilege of serving my clients to the very best of my ability. It has been an honour to have so many place their future in my hands, and in the hands of the teams I’ve been fortunate enough to work alongside. Thank you to all our clients for your trust, your confidence, and your collaboration. And to the markets—especially volatility—thank you for keeping every day interesting.”

“I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to contribute to this dynamic industry and excited about the next chapter of my life. I’m incredibly proud to be leaving behind a larger, newly combined investment team that has never been stronger, where our clients continue to be in excellent hands.”

CEO of Evidentia Group, Mike Wright commented, “Nathan has been a real asset to the Lonsec Group, Evidentia Group, our clients and the broader investment community. His depth of knowledge and strategic thinking have left a lasting impact in our industry. We thank Nathan for his contributions and wish him, his wife Claire and their family every success in the future.”

Looking ahead, Mike Wright continues “We are committed to build on the Group’s strong foundation as the undisputed leader in managed accounts, growing through trusted relationships — so our clients and people can thrive in business and life. With Darren at the helm of our larger combined investment team, we are well-positioned to navigate the future with confidence and clarity, delivering an exceptional experience trusted by advisers, valued by investors, and powered by a culture of excellence.”

Evidentia Group has commenced the recruitment process for a Senior Investment Strategist and is expected to make an announcement regarding this new appointment in the new year.

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Evidentia Group was formed through the merger of Evidentia, Lonsec Investment Solutions and Implemented Portfolios, following Generation Development Group’s acquisition of the Lonsec Group in August 2024 and Evidentia in February 2025. The strategic realignment of the businesses under Group reflects a clear vision for the future of managed accounts in Australia.

In February 2025, Michael Wright, previously CEO of Lonsec Group, was appointed CEO of Evidentia Group. The broader executive team was announced in July 2025, with Komadina’s appointment now rounding out a leadership group built for scale, innovation, and execution.

Jason Komadina joins Evidentia with over 27 years of experience spanning all areas of wealth management. Most recently serving as General Manager, Distribution and Investment Services at MLC Asset Management, Komadina also boasts previous leadership roles at MLC/NAB Wealth and Perpetual, bringing a proven track record of driving revenue growth and building high-performing teams to this new role.

CEO of Evidentia Group – Michael Wright, welcomed the appointment, saying “We are thrilled to welcome Jason to Evidentia Group. His deep operational and risk expertise, combined with his commercial acumen, will be instrumental as we scale a high-integrity, high-performance investment solutions business. This appointment completes a world-class executive team and reflects our commitment to robust foundations as we pursue an ambitious growth agenda.”

In the role of Chief Risk and Operating Officer, Komadina will oversee the firm’s operational infrastructure, risk management and regulatory compliance, ensuring the business scales with resilience and precision during its next iteration.

Commenting on the opportunity Jason Komadina said, “It’s a privilege to join Evidentia Group during such an exciting phase for both the business and the broader industry. Continuing to build on its strong, scalable operational and risk platform will be essential for our growth trajectory and I’m excited to contribute to a firm and a team that places excellence, integrity, and agility at the core of its mission.”

With its full executive team now in place, Evidentia Group is poised for continued expansion — underpinned by strategic clarity, executional strength, and a commitment to delivering exceptional outcomes for advisers and investors alike.

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