Senior Appointment at GMI

22 November 2012

MEDIA RELEASE

Senior Appointment at GMI

Gareth Morgan Investments (GMI) has announced the appointment of Simon O’Grady as its new Chief Investment Officer (CIO). Simon has a solid track record in wealth management, with over 12 years working for Suncorp in Australia, most recently heading Global Premia Investments, a joint venture with Tyndall prior to its acquisition by Nikko Asset Management.

Simon has been working on a consultancy basis with GMI following its acquisition by Kiwibank earlier this year.

Gareth Morgan, the company’s founder said, “I am delighted to have Simon join the business. I’ve been working with him for the past five months and have been impressed by his intellect and his understanding of what makes GMI so special.

As I move into a governance role, I had to be sure I was handing over the reins in terms of overseeing our investments and clients to the right person. Simon is that person. I’ve no doubt that he will encourage us to even greater heights.”

Stuart Bremner, Managing Director of GMI and Kiwibank General Manager of Wealth and Insurance added, “We have a talented and experienced Investment Strategy Team ably led by Susan Easton. Simon will be working with Susan and the team to develop its capabilities and the advisory services offered to private portfolio clients.”

GMI also recently announced the appointment of Dr Diana Gordon as the Senior Fixed Interest Strategist in the Investment Strategy Team. Diana is a global credit expert with over 20 years’ experience in managing fixed interest funds with global investment managers, including Saudi International and Goldman Sachs Asset Management in London and New York.

Until recently, Gareth Morgan has been a part of the Investment Strategy Team. He has relinquished that role in order to take on the chairmanship of the Investment Governance Committee, a crucial governance role that oversees investment strategy and represents the interests of all clients when it comes to the performance and integrity of the Investment Strategy Team.

Simon O’Grady profile:

Simon has extensive experience at a senior level across all asset classes, both locally and globally. This includes consulting, investment and product development, with a broad range of institutional clients and wide experience in working with boards, investment committees and trustees.

Simon is a CFA charter holder, FINSIA fellow and member of the Institute of Directors.

He started his career at ANZ and the RBNZ prior to moving to Australia where he worked for Suncorp Investment Management in a variety of investment roles. Simon returned to New Zealand when the business he headed was acquired by Nikko Asset Management.

Simon has been providing support to Kiwibank post the acquisition of GMI. Simon also manages a number of family interests in property, forestry and communications.

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