In this role, Mr. Watkins will work closely with Rob Mead, Head of PIMCO Australia and Co-head of APAC Portfolio Management, to lead the growth strategy in Australia and partner with Eric Frerer, Head of Institutional Account Management and Brendon Rodda, Head of Distribution, Global Wealth Management. Mr. Watkins will also have local oversight of business management functions. He reports to Alec Kersman, Head of Asia-Pacific who is based in Hong Kong.

Alec Kersman, Head of Asia-Pacific said: “We are excited to welcome Sam to PIMCO. He joins our team with extensive regional experience, proven strategic leadership and deep cross-asset capabilities built over his successful 20+ year career in the finance industry. Sam is a tremendous addition to our firm and to our business leadership in Australia. Sam will lead our talented teams in these markets to continue to deliver PIMCO’s industry-leading investment solutions.”

Rob Mead, Head of Australia and Co-Head of APAC Portfolio Management, said: “Sam brings a differentiated skill set that will further empower our team and help deepen and broaden PIMCO’s client relationships. We look forward to partnering with Sam to continue to deliver innovative solutions and exemplary client service.”

Mr. Watkins joins PIMCO from Goldman Sachs where he was most recently Managing Director and Head of Equity Finance Product, Asia Pacific, responsible for marketing, distribution, development and structuring of equity finance products for the region. Before Goldman Sachs, Mr. Watkins also worked at Deutsche Bank AG, Credit Suisse AG and Macquarie Bank in Australia where he held various key positions in their equities and derivatives businesses.

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