"Up front and transparent": Q&A with Omega's new Head of Portfolio Management

Simon Tung has joined Omega Global Investors as head of portfolio management and, as he tells Industry Moves, he's excited by the calibre of his new team. He shares with us his goals for the coming months and a little about his investment strategy and prior experience. We also find out a little about his formative years, his greatest influence, his talented brothers, and his 'dream' career.

SIMON TUNG

Simon Tung has joined Omega Global Investors as head of portfolio management and, as he tells Industry Moves, he's excited by the calibre of his new team. He shares with us his goals for the coming months and a little about his investment strategy and prior experience. We also find out a little about his formative years, his greatest influence, his talented brothers, and his 'dream' career.

What are you most looking forward to in your new role with Omega?

I am excited about working with the strong calibre of people at Omega. We all have a common goal of building on the track record of success that the firm has created, and I am looking forward to making a strong contribution towards the growth of the firm.

What are your key goals for this role over the next 12 months?

Bringing my experience to Omega and its clients' portfolios within Omega's investment philosophy. I look forward to meeting with clients and prospects, working on investment solutions and co-design of investment strategies. Omega's investment team is well respected and I look forward to working with my colleagues, helping the team to achieve its investment and business goals.

Can you tell us a little about your investment strategy?

Our Smart Beta Plus (SBP) approach is a rules-based investment approach with the objective to deliver superior risk-adjusted outcomes for investors. This is delivered by identifying intelligent investment ideas that can be logically structured and implemented whilst controlling risk.
I place a high priority on being up front and transparent with clients about risk and return expectations in any portfolio. It's very important to always remember why positions have been instigated and to continually question yourself whether those conditions still apply today. I actively seek out alternative views to my own and challenge the strength of my own convictions in maintaining a position.

"I actively seek out alternative views to my own and challenge the strength of my own convictions in maintaining a position."

How has your previous experience prepared you for this role?

I have worked in multiple firms in roles across multiple asset classes which will of course will help to prepare me for this role at Omega. People are always the key part of any learning experience and there are several that have helped my development in financial markets over the years.

Who has had the biggest influence on your life or career so far?

My father. A wise man who I respect very much.

What's the best piece of advice that you have received?

Only worry about what you can control.

Where did you grow up and what was it like?

I was born in Pittsburgh, PA but grew up in Geelong from about the age of 5. Geelong was a great place to grow up in and I have very fond memories of regular trips down to the surf coast in the summers.

What initially drew you towards a career in finance?

When I started University I was doing an Engineering degree. I converted to a double degree in Engineering/Commerce after first year and since then it was clear to me my interests lay more in the finance field.

...and if you weren't working in finance, what would you like to be doing?

I would love to be a professional football player in Europe but sadly it doesn't look like that's going to happen.

What's something that most people don't know about you?

I have two younger brothers. One is a commercial lawyer in NYC and the other runs his own freelance translation business in Tokyo.