People Moves

Old Mutual Global Investors Appoints Luminary To Push Asia Growth

Tom Burroughes Group Editor 20 March 2015

Old Mutual Global Investors Appoints Luminary To Push Asia Growth

The Asian expansion strategy of the firm has been boosted, it says, with the hire of a highly experienced figure in the world of international wealth management.

Old Mutual Global Investors has appointed Simon MacKinnon as Asia strategy advisor, a new role the firm has created to aid its expansion plans in the Asia-Pacific region.

MacKinnon will work on a consultancy basis, providing strategic advice and support to Old Mutual Global Investors and Old Mutual International – part of Old Mutual Wealth – in respect of their regional growth. He will report to Old Mutual Global Investors’ chief executive, Julian Ide, and work with the firm’s head of distribution Asia, Carol Wong. MacKinnon’s initial focus will be building out the firm’s local operating model and aiding with recruitment in the region.

“At Old Mutual Global Investors we are dedicated to growing our asset management and distribution capabilities in the Asia-Pacific region. Simon’s appointment as Asia strategy advisor demonstrates the importance we place on expanding our footprint in this region,” Ide said.

MacKinnon’s appointment follows an active expansion by the firm in Asia-Pacific, which includes the creation of an Asian equities team in October last year. This is due to be based in Hong Kong imminently, as headed by Josh Crabb and the firm's recently appointed specialist China equities portfolio manager, Diamond Lee. Old Mutual recently developed its Hong Kong-based Asian distribution team, led by Wong and which has close links with Taiwanese "master agent" Capital Gateway, the firm said in a statement.

MacKinnon has over 30 years’ experience in Asia and the UK in establishing businesses, as well as in M&A activity and joint ventures across a variety of industries. In addition to his role at Old Mutual, he currently holds a number of leadership and investor roles including chairman of Sinophi Healthcare, non-executive director of London Bridge Capital and non-executive chairman of China of Modern Water and Xeros. 

MacKinnon has previously held senior and advisory roles at SMC Capital China, Aggreko China, Cinven and Corning China. Having started his career at P&O Group, MacKinnon was awarded an OBE in 2013 for his role in advancing British business in China and developing UK/China trade and investment links.

Old Mutual Global Investors was established as the asset management division of Old Mutual Wealth in 2012. Part of Old Mutual Group, Old Mutual Wealth manages £82.5 billion ($121.5 billion) in customer investments.

 

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