Ben Davis joins Ascalon from Zenith Investment Partners, where he was a founding partner of the research firm back in 2003. He then spent over 20 years with the business in a variety of roles, including director of product and strategy and head of investment consulting.
In his new role, he will lead the firm’s strategic investment consulting work.
Second, Aubrey Roga joins the firm as chief executive from a role of chief executive of wealth manager at SCM Financial Group, where he spent over a decade. He previously worked at NAB and MLC.
His appointment will succeed Shane Hawke who will remain at the firm but has moved into the role of head of implemented consulting and investment research.
Hawke praised Roga’s experience with financial advisers, platforms and institutional firms, as well as his skill in business transformation while at SCM.
He said: “At Ascalon Capital, we have continued to build on the solid foundations required for strong client partnerships and investment outcomes. In seeking to expediate our growth aspirations, we’re delighted to welcome Aubrey Roga joining us to lead Ascalon as CEO.
“With his deep experience, proven leadership and strong alignment to our client-first values, I know the business, and more importantly, our clients and partners are in exceptional hands.
“This appointment allows me to focus even more deeply on the investment strategy and research that underpins our business philosophy of strong client partnerships and investment outcomes. I’m personally excited to support our growth journey to enhance our partnership offerings.”
Meanwhile, the firm has appointed Tori Flygare from fund manager GQG Partners to consult on private wealth, family office and institutional clients, and Justin Fabo as an external member on its investment committee.
Flygare spent two years at GQG and previously spent over a decade at Magellan Financial Group until December 2022, while Fabo is the founder of research firm Antipodean Macro and spent eight years at the Reserve Bank of Australia.
With this series of appointments, Hawke said this marks a “bold new chapter” for Ascalon.
“The firm embarks on a bold new chapter – one built around market opportunity, a high-performing team and an unwavering focus on delivering exceptional client outcomes.
“The advice landscape is continuing to evolve. Growth requires clarity, confidence and capability. With a deepened leadership team and a proven operator at the helm, Ascalon is positioned to continue to enhance its partnership-led investment consulting and asset management services.”
