Legg Mason appoints new Head of Australia

Legg Mason has appointed Andy Sowerby as its new country head, with responsibility for building and managing the firm's business in Australia including the responsible entity, sales, marketing and client service groups.

Sowerby previously spent 11 years as Martin Currie's executive director of sales, marketing & client service, based in the firm's Edinburgh, UK office. Legg Mason acquired Martin Currie as a wholly owned and independently managed affiliate in October 2014.

Prior to his time at Martin Currie, Sowerby was joint managing director at Investec Fund Managers where he ran the European distribution business and marketing. He started his career at Scottish Widows Fund Management, where he played a prominent role in building the group's funds management business.

Commenting on his appointment, Sowerby said: "Having spent the past decade building a global business I have always been impressed with the level of innovation in the Australian marketplace alongside the high quality of the investment professionals I have had the pleasure to meet. I am excited about my new role as I believe Legg Mason has an increasingly important role to play for investors, in that we are one of the few multi-affiliate models that has the depth and capability to build and deliver a range of solutions tailored to the Australian investor. I look forward to working with my team and our investment affiliates to showcase these strengths in the years ahead."

He replaces former head of Australia Annalisa Clark, who retired in July 2016.