Industry veteran joins Aura Group

Aura Group has announced the appointment of industry veteran, Damien Hatfield, as its new executive director for Aura Alternative Assets.

In this role, Hatfield will be responsible for launching several funds over the next 18 months, the group said.

Hatfield has two decades of experience working in alternative investments, including responsibility for setting up a hedge funds-of-funds business at Colonial First State and serving as head of hedge funds at Pengana Capital. In 2014, he joined Ascalon, representing their suite of managers and introducing third-party distribution to the firm.

Commenting on his role at Aura, Hatfield said: "I am excited to be working with this dynamic group to bring more choice in alternative investments to the local investor market and assist in further expanding Aura's international footprint."

He added: "The local market is transforming into a global centre as the Australian superannuation pension market is one of the largest in the world. This large asset base deserves the best alternative investment ideas available and that need attracted me to Aura's innovative approach and fund products."