Hastings appoints UTA Lead Portfolio Manager

Global infrastructure manager Hastings has appointed Brett Mitsch as lead portfolio manager of the group's Utilities Trust of Australia (UTA). He will work closely with Matt Lorback who has been promoted to the role of UTA portfolio manager.

Mitsch has more than 20 years' experience in infrastructure, utility and corporate finance advisory in both Australia and the US. Most recently he was managing director of Flagstaff Partners, responsible for developing opportunities in infrastructure and agriculture.

Commenting on the appointments, Hastings' chief executive Andrew Day said: "Brett's M&A experience coupled with his engineering background make him ideally suited to be the lead UTA Portfolio Manager. The combination of Brett's and Matthew's respective skills sets will forge a winning team of experience in portfolio management and construction, transactions and infrastructure both here and abroad."

He added: "Brett brings a fresh perspective and view to the business and Matthew has the historical knowledge of the portfolio and the assets, particularly with his specialised knowledge of the airports sector which is a crucial element of the UTA portfolio."

James Fraser-Smith, former investment director, infrastructure has resigned from UTA after 10 years with Hastings.