Sydney investment manager Select Investment Partners has announced the appointment of Matt Olsen as head of research effective 12 November 2013.

Olsen, previously the deputy chief investment officer and head of manager research at van Eyk, brings considerable experience to the role. He has worked as a senior investment analyst at Colonial First State, LFG Holdings and Ausbil Dexia. Outside of financial services, he is also known to have been a professional tennis player on the ITF Pro Circuit.

The hire comes as Select engages with an increasing number of financial advisory groups that seek "independence from the constraints of large institutions," the firm said in a press release. In addition to this post, he will also provide expertise to the firm's Customised Portfolio Service, which provides licensing, compliance, marketing and back-office support.

Select Investment Partners is led by Dominic McCormick and provides investment management and asset consultant services, together with multi-asset portfolios and specialist funds. It is a part of Select Asset Management, the specialist wealth management firm.