Bruce has over 30 years’ experience in financial services with an extensive track record across investment platforms, superannuation and life insurance.  Bruce has held a number of senior positions spanning finance, operations and strategic development with companies including NAB Wealth, Aviva Australia and Xplore Wealth Limited. Prior to joining Lonsec, Bruce was Group Executive – Xplore Wealth at HUB24 Limited leading the Xplore business whilst assisting in its integration into the broader HUB24 business.

Naomi Christopher was most recently National Manager – Marketing and Communications at Implemented Portfolios (IPL) and joined Lonsec Holdings following the acquisition of IPL. Her career in financial services spans 13 years, where she has worked in similar marketing and communications related roles at other financial services businesses such as Midwinter Financial Services (a Bravura owned company) and SQM Research, the funds research and ratings house.

Lonsec CEO and Managing Director of IPL, Mike Wright says “Over the past six months, both the Lonsec and IPL teams have worked tirelessly to understand each business and client groups. I am excited about the growth plans we have for the coming year and the integration of our services to all clients.  Bruce has led this integration project and I am delighted that he is joining in a permanent capacity.”

“I am equally delighted that Naomi is taking on the broader Head of Marketing and PR role across the group as she built IPL’s formidable marketing presence” continues Mike.

As part of the integration of the businesses, key Lonsec portfolio managers have been appointed to the IPL Asset Allocation and Investment Committee (AAIC), which is responsible for the investment decisions relating to the IPL portfolios. Lukasz de Pourbaix joined long-standing independent members of the committee post the acquisition of the business by Lonsec in 2022 and will be joined by Nick Field, Associate Portfolio Manager for Lonsec’s listed suite of portfolios.  Nick has extensive portfolio management and investment research experience having held various investment research and portfolio management roles for the past 20 years. Nick will provide additional insights and rigour to the AAIC governance process.

Finally, Lonsec has also bolstered its internal portfolio governance framework with the establishment of a group Product Investment Oversight Committee (PIOC). The PIOC is a sub board committee to the Lonsec Board and is responsible for ensuring that the IPL and Lonsec portfolios have the necessary personnel, processes and risk management frameworks in place. Lonsec has appointed Dr Steve Garth as independent chair of the PIOC. Dr Garth brings to the PIOC two decades of experience in key Financial Services roles, including a broad career managing Australian and Global portfolios.

The post Lonsec announces key executive appointments appeared first on AdviserVoice.

Ms Hamieh’s appointment rounds out a number of strategic executive positions now completed by the Company, including the recent announcement of Bruce Hawkins as Chief Financial Officer and Mike Wright as Chief Executive Officer.

Chairman Peter Brook said of Ms Hamieh’s appointment: “Anne’s appointment not only bolsters a revitalised Xplore Wealth executive team but fulfils a critical gap for Xplore Wealth in its sales and relationship efforts and promoting the Company’s underlying capabilities. 

“This appointment in combination with Mike and Bruce is a strong signal of deliberate recalibration by the Board to introduce executive talent comprised of high-performing professionals that we believe have the requisite skills and track record to expand the Xplore Wealth business in line with our strategic growth targets.

“Central to our plans is the Distribution and Marketing function. This requires a deft leadership approach, strong attention to the needs of advisers and their clients, and the capacity to achieve sales results built on quality relationships. 

“We believe Anne ticks all the boxes,” Mr Brook said.

“I am excited to commence my new role with Xplore Wealth,” Ms Hamieh said. “I am joining during a pivotal period for the Company and our discussions regarding the vision and growth ambitions for Xplore Wealth really helped to cement my decision to join. 

“I look forward to meeting the collective challenge ahead and the opportunity to deliver solutions that support the needs of advice businesses and their clients operating under the heightened demands of regulatory scrutiny and community expectations,” Ms Hamieh said. 

Xplore Wealth’s newly appointed CEO Michael Wright said, “Anne was a key member of the highly regarded Vanguard Investments distribution team, driving the national sales strategy and also led the approval and launch of Vanguard Diversified Managed Accounts. 

“Anne has a proven sales and leadership capability and hits the ground running with the Company on 26 August. Her deep industry knowledge and understanding adds great value to the Xplore Wealth team and to the Board’s targeted programme to grow and expand the business. Anne is an excellent addition to the revitalised leadership team and I look forward to working with her and the broader team.”

The post Xplore Wealth appoints new Head of Distribution and Marketing  appeared first on AdviserVoice.

A well-regarded finance executive and member of pioneering executive teams within the investment platform sector across the Australian superannuation and wealth management industry, Mr Hawkins brings more than 25 years’ experience to his new role.

His organisational experience includes change management, consulting and leadership roles with prominent organisations in the wealth arena including MLC/National Australia Bank, Aviva Australia and ESS Super.

“The chance to join the Company during this period of brand, platform and operational renewal and guided by a Board focused on growth opportunities is somewhat rare. I of course accepted with both hands.  I am looking forward to playing my part in the 2019 growth strategy including the launch of the new Wrap platform expected in Q2 2019,” Mr Hawkins said.

Chairman Mr Peter Brook said: “We are delighted to welcome Bruce Hawkins in the critical CFO role and to also benefit from his sector expertise. The Company believes the appointment adds to its breadth of executive leadership at a pivotal time for the business and its customers”.

“The experience Bruce brings is difficult to replicate, particularly his hands-on knowledge with business transformation and customer experience within platform administration and superannuation.  Combined with his financial and strategic acumen as CFO, we feel encouraged that Bruce will play a part in the future growth plans of the Company,” Mr Brook said.

“Supported by new executive and operational people with great industry experience, the Company is reaffirming its commitment to its customers and endeavouring to maintain its place as a leading independent platform provider in the Australian market,” Mr Brook concluded.

Shareholders of Managed Accounts Holdings Limited will vote on the new name Xplore Wealth Limited on 12 April 2019

The post Managed Accounts Holdings Ltd appoints Bruce Hawkins as Chief Financial Officer appeared first on AdviserVoice.