Q&A with Select's new Head of Research
Dragana Timotijevic has joined OneVue subsidiary Select Investment Partners as head of research. Her career has included roles at Australian Catholic Superannuation and Retirement Benefits Fund, van Eyk Research, Mercer Investments and Deutsche Asset Management. Dragana tells Industry Moves about the challenges the new role will bring, a hidden talent passed down from her aunt, and how excited she is to be part of a business that is led by a 'visionary'.
Dragana Timotijevic has joined OneVue subsidiary Select Investment Partners as head of research. Her career has included roles at Australian Catholic Superannuation and Retirement Benefits Fund, van Eyk Research, Mercer Investments and Deutsche Asset Management. Dragana tells Industry Moves about the challenges the new role will bring, a hidden talent passed down from her aunt, and how excited she is to be part of a business that is led by a 'visionary'.
What are you most looking forward to in your new role?
I'm excited to be part of a dynamic business, working with a diverse client base and at a place that recognises the capabilities of women. Not only is it led by the visionary OneVue Group CEO Connie Mckeage, but 80 percent of the board is female.
How have your previous roles prepared you for this role?
Throughout my career I've worked with both retail and institutional clients across a range of asset classes. I spent almost a decade at Mercer Investments and 10 years at Deutsche Asset Management. In such roles I learnt to work across management research and strategy, and in service and delivery demands of the client.
What do you think will be your biggest challenge in the first 12 months?
Maintaining key aspects of client delivery I believe will be a challenge. While my previous roles have prepared me for this position, OneVue's organic and acquisitive growth is rapid. So balancing my time to ensure all client needs are met will be a key focus.
What is one of the best pieces of advice you've ever been given?
Focus on the important things and not get swamped by noise. That's a piece of advice that has really stuck by me... I've realised it's very valuable and put everything I do in this context.
What was your very first job?
It was in high school, working in a research laboratory at an agricultural company near the cornfields. I'd clean the lab and petri dishes... It was actually quite a cool job.
Do you have a secret skill/hidden talent?
My aunt taught me to knit and I love it. I've just finished knitting a top, and still have garments I made for my daughters. I love the natural fibre and the fact you are making something with your own hands that's both original and unique.
Is there a particular charity or cause that you support?
I love walking and the wilderness. It's for this reason one charity I support is WildEndurance, which races 50 or 100km annually in the Blue Mountains to save the wild. I also support Coastrek which holds 55km treks to transform lives, with proceeds going to the Fred Hollows Foundation.
