Stephen Deane, Nicholas Cowley, Ian Tabberer, Michael Cahoon and Ronan Kelleher join Skerryvore as portfolio managers; while Ben Lawson has been appointed head of dealing.
Skerryvore’s managing partner Glen Finegan, who established the UK-based boutique in partnership with BennBridge in October 2019, said the team brings a wealth of expertise and experience in global emerging market equities portfolio management.
“I have worked with all six of the team in the past, and they share a dedicated investment focus and knowledge.
“They are an excellent fit for the Skerryvore business, which aims to invest responsibly in emerging markets with the goal of generating long-term returns, with an unwavering focus on the quality of the businesses in which it invests,” he said.
Stephen has nine years of financial industry experience, including with Janus Henderson and First State Stewart. Prior to this he was chief technology officer at Digital Barrier and a senior manager at Accenture.
Nicholas has 22 years of financial industry experience, beginning his career at Chiswell Associates as an overseas equities assistant before becoming a fund manager in 2001. He was most recently an emerging markets fund manager at Janus Henderson.
Ian was previously at Janus Henderson, and has also worked at Baillie Gifford and Scottish Widows Investment Partnership as a North American and global investor. He has 17 years of financial industry experience.
Michael Cahoon has eight years of financial industry experience, with roles in emerging markets both with Janus Henderson and Ashmore Group.
Ronan Kelleher has nine years of experience, previously working on global equity portfolios at Janus Henderson.
Ben Lawson was previously head of dealing for Stewart Investors, and has 13 years of experience dealing in emerging markets.
Together with its Australian arm Bennelong Funds Management, BennBridge is part of the BFM Group, an investment company that partners with 12 boutiques across the globe to deliver actively managed equity funds. The boutiques invest across Australian, UK, Asian and global equities, listed global infrastructure and real estate, as well as global emerging markets.
Bennelong CEO Craig Bingham said the high-calibre Skerryvore team has a long-standing track record on delivering results for investors.
“Stephen, Nicholas, Ian, Michael, Ronan and Ben have a history of meeting their investors’ high expectations, and we are delighted to welcome them to the team.”
The BFM Group has experienced significant global growth over the past few years, with demand for strategies increasing across Australia, the UK, Europe and North America, and total assets under management now more than 12 billion (at 30 November 2019).