Lonsec appoints Executive Director Research as part of leadership restructure

Lonsec has announced the promotion of Libby Newman, former head of manager research, to the new role of executive director, Lonsec Research.

In this role, according to the firm, Newman "will lead Lonsec Research's team of over 40 investment analysts and consultants, supported by the diverse knowledge and experience of Lonsec's leadership team." She will also continue as a member of Lonsec's investment and manager selection committees.

Commenting on her appointment, Lonsec CEO, Charlie Haynes, said: "Since joining Lonsec in 2007, and with over 25 years of overall research experience, Libby has developed an excellent understanding of the needs of fund managers and importantly, financial advisers. She is widely respected throughout the industry for her independence and in-depth knowledge of both the fund management process and advisers' research expectations."

Newman's appointment is part of a new 'executive director structure' which Haynes said provides "greater unity between [the firm's] two major investment research arms, Lonsec Research and SuperRatings", enabling the firm to "leverage the depth and breadth of [its] investment product research in both the managed funds and superannuation space."

Kirby Rappell will continue to lead the superannuation research business as executive director of SuperRatings - his previous job title was CEO - and Lukasz de Pourbaix will continue to lead the Investment Solutions business as executive director and chief investment officer.