People Moves
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.