JANA appoints new investment trust leads
One of Australia's largest asset consultants, JANA Investment Advisers, has promoted two of its top investment staff to senior roles in its trusts business.
Claire Simpson will take on the role of head of investments, and David Schnell will become head of diversified portfolios.
Simpson joins the investment trust team after serving as co-head of infrastructure research at JANA.
Before joining the asset consultant in 2010, she spent four years at Access Capital Advisers in the New York and Melbourne offices, specialising in direct infrastructure investments and asset management.
She also worked at Commonwealth Bank in structured finance and as a senior tax consultant at PwC.
Schnell, who joined JANA seven years ago, has been promoted from senior investment consultant to head of diversified portfolios.
In the new role, he will work closely with the portfolio design team developing portfolio and asset allocation strategies.
Earlier, he worked at Dimensional Fund Advisors as a associate portfolio manager for five years.
The asset consultant said the appointments would play a key role in driving the strategic direction and growth of the JANA investment trusts.
JANA said both Simpson and Schnell bring extensive expertise and experience to their roles, and they would help shape the trust offerings, ensuring optimal outcomes and greater flexibility.
"We remain committed to delivering tailored solutions and strengthening our offerings across all consulting practices," JANA general manager of investment trusts Leon Tisdell said.
"Both Claire and David bring a wealth of knowledge to their respective positions, with insights and expertise that will undoubtedly enrich our strategic approach.
"Both have demonstrated outstanding dedication throughout their time at JANA and their proven track records and deep understanding of our organisation uniquely position them to deliver exceptional results for Investment Trust clients.
"We look forward to seeing the positive impact they will undoubtedly bring to the team and the clients we serve."
