The fund manager has confirmed the appointment of Ben Williams as its next head of retail business, effective from 21 October. He will report to GSFM’s chief executive Damien McIntyre and will be based in Sydney.
Williams will oversee the retail business and lead the development and execution of GSFM’s retail distribution strategy. His responsibilities will include research houses, retail asset consultants, investment platforms, private wealth and independent financial advisers, the firm stated.
He joins GSFM from Warakirri Asset Management where he was its distribution director for APAC, having joined the firm in 2021 as head of private wealth.
Across his two decades in financial services, Williams has also worked at UBS Asset Management Australia as head of wholesale client coverage. He previously held roles at Lazard Asset Management, BlackRock as well as Bridgeport Advisers and Asset Managers.
McIntyre welcomed Williams to GSFM and the 20 years of experience he will bring. The CEO said: “Throughout his career Ben has demonstrated a commitment to delivering sustainable, consistent, and exceptional outcomes for investors. He brings a wealth of knowledge and strong relationships to the role.
“Ben’s knowledge and experience will be invaluable as GSFM continues to expand its retail client base, and to position and communicate the opportunities in its funds and strategies to current and prospective clients.”
Stephen Fletcher, who currently holds the head of retail distribution role at GSFM and joined the company in 2008, will now move into the newly formed position of client portfolio manager at GSFM’s fund manager partner, Munro Partners.
Fletcher will spearhead Munro’s activity in providing dedicated support to GFSM in Australia.
The two firms first entered into an alliance in 2017. This has seen GSFM provide distribution and responsible entity services for Munro, allowing it to focus on investment performance. Meanwhile, Munro offers its long/short and long only strategies to the Canadian retail market through GSFM’s parent entity, CI Global Asset Management.
“Steve has been an incredible asset to GSFM during his 16 years with the business and has been instrumental in the development of our retail business during that time. We thank Steve for his many years of service, and we look forward to working with him in his new role with Munro Partners,” McIntyre commented.
Earlier this month, GSFM appointed Robert Johanson as its new chair. This followed the retirement of Andrew McKinnon, who founded the business and has been its executive chairman since 2017. Johanson was previously the chairman of Bendigo and Adelaide Bank for 12 years.
