Q&A with Contango's new Portfolio Manager
Jarrod Deakin is the newest member of Contango's investment team, drawn to both the firm's people and vision. He tells Industry Moves that growth prospects at Contango "are very bright" and that he's looking forward to developing Contango's fixed interest offering. He also names the catalyst for him going back to uni and shares some advice passed down from his uncle, but stays mum on his secret skill (which of course means we want to know even more now!).
Jarrod Deakin is the newest member of Contango's investment team, drawn to both the firm's people and vision. He tells Industry Moves that growth prospects at Contango "are very bright" and that he's looking forward to developing Contango's fixed interest offering. He also names the catalyst for him going back to uni and shares some advice passed down from his uncle, but stays mum on his secret skill (which of course means we want to know even more now!).
What drew you to the role at Contango?
Having worked with and known a number of the Contango team for many years, the opportunity to reconnect and work with a strong investment group was a big hook.
George Boubouras, our Chief Investment Officer, has a strong vision for the business which really gelled with my views as to where the opportunities lie within the investment management industry
These were central to me pursuing the Contango opportunity.
What do you most enjoy about your role/what are you most looking forward to in the new role?
The same things that I've always enjoyed about our industry - the people, and that every day in financial markets is entirely different from the last and you never stop learning.
The new role at Contango is great for me as it combines fixed interest (which is where I started) and equities. As for what I'm looking forward to, I'd say its developing the fixed interest offering at Contango and contributing to overall investment process across the firm at a time when the Funds-Under-Management growth prospects at Contango are very bright.
What do you see as your biggest challenge for the next 12 months?
The biggest challenges I face over the coming 12 months are twofold - firstly, to ensure (along with the investment team) that Contango delivers its growth plans and maximises the growth pipeline; and secondly, to navigate tough markets and deliver on the performance front.
What is one of the best pieces of advice you've ever been given?
When I was a kid my uncle (a farmer) used to give me odd jobs and always used to tell me "...when you do a job, do it properly". Whilst not the sage wisdom that others may espouse in this column, it always reminds me that there are no short cuts if you want to do things right.
Who do you most admire and how have they influenced your life/work?
I have been lucky to have met lots of incredible people along the way that I admire in some way. I'd like to think that each has had an influence in some way.
Where did you grow up?
Adelaide.
What was your very first job?
My first proper job was as a teller at Westpac (deferred University studies for a year to take the job). I realised pretty quickly that I wasn't going to defer a second year!
Do you have a secret skill/hidden talent?
There's often a good reason that some skills are secret and/or hidden. Make of that what you will!
Is there a particular cause or charity that you support?
I chair the Investment Committee for Bedford Phoenix which is a large disability services provider based in Adelaide. The Board, the CEO and her team do an amazing job and walking the factory floor and facilities and seeing the difference that Bedford makes to these people's lives is nothing short of inspiring. Contango are also involved as a supporter and sponsor of their annual fund raising event.
