JANA bolsters leadership team

JANA, the asset consultant, has promoted three of its consultants into new general manager roles each reporting directly to Jim Lamborn, the chief executive.

Kirsten Temple will take on the role of general manager, investment strategy. She was most recently head of research.

In her new role, Temple is responsible for the development of client advice on broad investment strategy and capital markets analysis, including leading asset allocation decision-making for JANA's advisory and implemented clients.

Also, Anthony Ballard moves into the role of general manager, research. Joining JANA in 2007, his most recent role was as a senior consultant and head of Australian equities. Ballard will lead the investment research function across diverse asset classes to maximise investment outcomes for JANA, its clients, and their beneficiaries.

Lastly, Duncan Smith will take on the role of general manager, client relationship management. His most recent role was as a principal consultant. Smith's new role will oversee client services, including achievement of optimal client investment outcomes, alongside ensuring growth and client retention targets are achieved.

Speaking on the appointments, Lamborn said, "I am delighted to announce Duncan, Kirsten, and Anthony's new roles at JANA. Our new structure is designed to optimise our focus and ability to deliver the best possible outcomes for our clients," he said.

"Together, Duncan, Kirsten, and Anthony bring more than four decades of collective commitment to JANA and our clients. Their expertise and insight are unparalleled.

"We are excited about this next chapter to recalibrate and deliver even greater returns and experiences for our clients."

The chief executive noted that the three appointments close 2021 as a bumper year of major hires for JANA whose headcount grew by 18, including the hiring of Rachel Halpern as head of sustainability in May and Michael Maher as co-head of not-for-profit clients in June.