Perpetual announces new CEO

Perpetual has announced the appointment of Rob Adams as the firm's new managing director and chief executive officer, effective 24 September 2018.

Adams will join from global investment management firm, Janus Henderson, where he was most recently head of Pan-Asia and a member of the firm's global executive committee. Janus Henderson's head of distribution, Matt Gaden, will step into this role in the interim while a search for a permanent replacement is underway.

Adams joined Henderson Group in 2012 (prior to its 2017 merger with Janus Capital) to establish and build an Australian business and then oversee the group's operations across Asia. Prior to that, he spent six years as chief executive of Challenger Funds Management and was previously deputy chief executive of Challenger Wealth Management. He first joined Challenger from his role as CEO of First State Investments (UK) and before that spent almost a decade leading distribution and marketing efforts for Colonial First State in Australia.

Commenting on his appointment, Perpetual chair, Tony D'Aloisio, said: "Rob brings to Perpetual's people, clients, shareholders and stakeholders a track record of leading successful teams and diligently building and growing businesses organically and through acquisition."

He added: "Rob is deeply versed in the opportunities and challenges of today's rapidly evolving funds management and wealth management sectors. His leadership style is based on an enduring commitment to delivering for clients and leading people to be their best."

Adams will succeed Geoff Lloyd, who is stepping down on 30 June 2018 but will remain available to the firm during the transition of leadership.

A spokesperson for Janus Henderson said of Adams' departure: "As Janus Henderson enters its next phase of development in Pan Asia, Rob Adams has decided the time is right to make a new career move and we wish him all the best.

"Janus Henderson has a significant presence in Pan Asia - with nearly US$60 billion of assets under management - it forms an important part of our global business strategy and we will be conducting a search for a new head of the region."

Editor's note: An exact date for Rob Adams' departure from Janus Henderson has not yet been confirmed.

Update 8 June 2018: Perpetual has announced Chris Green, group executive of Perpetual Corporate Trust, will perform the role of interim chief executive officer from 9 June to 24 September 2018 when Rob Adams commences in the role.