First Sentier names new operating chief

First Sentier Investors has recruited a key Perpetual executive as chief operating officer.

As the new operating chief, Amanda Gazal will oversee various departments, including global operations, IT, data management, the project management office and supplier management.

She served as operating chief at Perpetual for three years as well as chief integration officer following the Pendal acquisition

Before that, Gazal was the asset manager at the Deutsche Bank-owned DWS Group in Singapore, where she ran operations for Asia Pacific distribution and Singapore.

In fact, she arrived from Deutsche Bank, where she held a number of trading and distribution roles.

Earlier, she worked as chief operating officer of Credit Suisse's European emerging market debt trading desk.

First Sentier chief executive Mark Steinberg welcomed Gazal to the team, saying her proven track record of driving operational excellence and strong leadership skills make her the ideal candidate to lead operations as the firm continues to grow the business.

"Together with her leadership team, Gazal will work with the business to continue to implement efficiency and scale to enhance productivity to ensure the best outcomes for our valued clients and investors," he said.

Gazal will take over from Gary Cotton, who in addition to his responsibilities as regional managing director of EMEA, has been interim COO.

Meantime Perpetual chief executive and managing director Rob Adams thanked  her for her leadership at a critical time for the company.

Perpetual's deputy chief operating officer Craig Squires will replace Gazal.

The chief executive said Squires is well placed to continue the work she has done towards delivering the full post-acquisition synergy target of $80 million by January 2025.