Aberdeen Standard appoints new Australian equities head

Aberdeen Standard Investments (ASI) has promoted Michelle Lopez to lead its Australian equities team. She succeeds Robert Penaloza who has been appointed head of Thailand for ASI.

Lopez joined ASI as an investment analyst from Willis Towers Watson in 2004 and was promoted to investment manager and then investment director before being appointed deputy head of Australian Equities in January 2019.

Commenting on her new role, ASI Australia managing director Brett Jollie said: "Michelle has played a pivotal role in managing and driving the success of the team and is a natural and well-respected successor. This promotion is reflective of her commitment, knowledge and proven ability."

Lopez, who will report directly to head of Asia Pacific equities Flavia Cheong, added: "I am excited about what this fantastic team of professionals can achieve and how we can continue to build on the tremendous work to date, finding compelling investment ideas and opportunities with a long-term and active strategy."