Lewis Bond

GSFM has appointed Lewis Bond to the role of key account manager (NSW & ACT), effective 22 July. Lewis is based in Sydney and reports to national distribution manager Steven Taylor.

Mr Bond is responsible for managing GSFM’s relationships with independent financial advisers across New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.

He joins GSFM from Macquarie Group, where he spent the past five years in various business development roles, most recently as new business manager, wealth solutions. In this role Mr Bond was responsible for identifying and cultivating new business opportunities within the intermediary market.

With his strong investment background, Mr Bond will complement the already significant investment expertise of the GSFM team.

GSFM head of retail distribution, Stephen Fletcher, says this appointment comes at a time of growth for GSFM, which now represents nine fund managers across a variety of asset classes in the Australian and New Zealand markets.

“We have formed new partnership with several firms in the past 12 months to distribute their funds and strategies.

“We are seeing increasing interest in GSFM’s funds and strategies from intermediaries, and Lewis’ appointment will capitalise on this.

“He brings a solid background in the intermediary market to the role, and he has an established network with financial advisers across NSW and ACT,” says Mr Fletcher.

GSFM’s national distribution manager, Steven Taylor, says Mr Bond is a strong performer with a proven track record, and his experience and expertise make him a solid addition to the team.

“Lewis brings a wealth of retail distribution experience from his tenure at Macquarie. He is joining the firm at a key time, with plans for a number of new investment strategies to be launched in coming months.

“We look forward to welcoming Lewis to the team.”

Mr Bond holds a Bachelor of Business in International Business from Southern Cross University and has completed an Investment Management Theory & Practice course from Yale School of Management. He is also a Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA), completing his certification from the Investments & Wealth Institute.

Mr Bond’s appointment follows the recent announcement of GSFM’s new partnership with European small and mid-cap manager Alantra Asset Management in May, and with Singapore based global fund manager, Eastspring Investments, in April.

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Simone Newman

GSFM has promoted Steven Taylor to national distribution manager, based in Brisbane.  He was previously Queensland State Manager. Mr Taylor has been with GSFM since 2013 and will continue to be responsible for the Queensland intermediary market. He will report to Stephen Fletcher, head of retail distribution.

In addition, GSFM has recruited Simone Newman as a key account manager for Victoria and Tasmania, based in Melbourne. She joins GSFM from Dexus-owned APN Property Group, where she was the head of group marketing and distribution.

GSFM CEO Damien McIntyre says the appointments are a result of strong demand for GSFM’s investment strategies.

“Steven has over 25 years’ experience in retail distribution, and his understanding of the industry as well as his product knowledge are a fantastic resource for our team.  Expanding Steven’s role to include national distribution means that his expertise will be fully leveraged, to the benefit of our sales team, our investment manager partners, and our clients.”

Mr Taylor joined GSFM in 2013 from Challenger Group, where he was state manager, Queensland. Prior to this, he was with Credit Suisse Asset Management, Skandia and Macquarie Bank, where he started his career in 1996.  He holds a Juris Doctor, Law, from the University of Southern Queensland and has an MBA, Management, from Queensland University of Technology.  He has also completed the CPA Program in accounting, tax and financial planning at Deakin University.

Ms Newman has 20 years’ experience in marketing and distribution in the financial services industry.  Her first role was at ANZ in business advisory services and she joined Dexus-owned APN Property Group in 2009. Before being appointed head of group marketing and distribution, she held roles including senior manager, retail distribution and head of marketing and investor services.  She holds a Bachelor of Laws (honours) and a Bachelor of Business (accountancy) from the Queensland University of Technology.

“Simone brings to GSFM a wealth of retail distribution experience from her tenure at APN Property Group. She will be an invaluable part of the retail distribution team as we continue to grow our business,” Mr McIntyre says.

GSFM head of retail distribution, Stephen Fletcher, says the appointments of Mr Taylor and Ms Newman come at a period of solid growth for the GSFM business.

“The appointments are timely with plans for a number of new investment strategies to be rolled out in coming months, and as demand for GSFM’s strategies and funds continues to be strong.

“With their proven track record and strong industry networks – having Steven and Simone in these new roles, will serve GSFM well as we position for the next phase of growth, and will help ensure we can continue to service clients effectively and efficiently,” Mr Fletcher says.

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