Equity Trustees appoints new Head of Australian Equities

Equity Trustees has announced the appointment of Chris Haynes as the firm's new head of Australian equities, following a review of its in-house asset management function earlier this year.

Haynes, who has 25 years' investment and portfolio experience, jointly established and managed Concord Capital Pty Ltd from its inception in 1999 through to its sale to Invesco in 2010. At Invesco, he then managed the firm's Australian equities portfolio. Throughout his career, he has also held roles at Northward Capital Ltd, Lend Lease Pty Ltd, and Bankers Trust Australia Limited.

He is joined at Equity Trustees by fellow new-recruit, and former Northward Capital colleague, Darren Thompson, who has been appointed as head of asset management.

In welcoming them both, Equity Trustees managing director, Mick O'Brien, said: "We're delighted to announce these appointments following a deep analysis of how Equity Trustees can deliver the best outcomes for clients who entrust us with their funds, and rely on us for income from those funds."

He added: "As a contemporary trustee company we must constantly adapt to the changing needs of our clients and markets. We have built our success over 130 years, and these appointments reflect our commitment to continue to invest in our asset management capability for the benefit of our clients."

Equity Trustees confirmed to Industry Moves that Stephen Cleugh, the firm's current head of equities, and Lance Pupelis, the firm's current head of asset management, will be "assisting in the transition."

"Equity Trustees has been fortunate to have committed leadership in the asset management team as we went through the review period, resulting in maintenance of portfolio performance. It provides a solid foundation for the new leadership who will bring their unique energy and outlook to the asset management team," O'Brien said.