London-based manager appoints MD for new Australian business

London-based investment manager, River and Mercantile Asset Management, has appointed former Westpac executive and former Australian rugby international, Tim Horan, as managing director of its newly-launched Australia and New Zealand operation.

Horan's appointment coincides with the launch of River and Mercantile's first Australian registered unit trust, available to institutional investors from June 2018.

Horan joins River and Mercantile from Westpac where he headed the sports and entertainment business in Private and Premium Banking for more than seven years. Prior to this, he was head of capital raising at Meridian Funds Management.

Commenting on his appointment, Horan said: "I am delighted to be joining River and Mercantile at this exciting stage in its global growth. The unique, consultative approach which the business applies to investment strategy held strong appeal for me."

In welcoming Horan, River and Mercantile's chief executive of asset management, James Barham, said: "We are exceptionally pleased that Tim is joining the business to establish our office and build out our relationships across the Institutional, Wholesale and Family Office markets ... It is clear that his skills on the pitch have been quickly transferred to the business world and we're confident that Tim is the perfect fit for River and Mercantile, both in culture and attitude."