QIC moves staff to Singapore

We have long tracked the steady stream of investment professionals who have skipped town to take up a role in a bigger market.

Some have joined offshore sovereign wealth funds or relocated to the much-publicised London and New York offices opened by superannuation giants as they scour the world for deals.

The latest departure is top QIC executive Vicky Wei who will join colleagues in Singapore as the Queensland government's specialist investor steps up its presence in the region by opening an office.

Wei, QIC's longstanding head of Greater China, will continue to lead relationships with sovereign wealth funds, insurance funds and pension schemes.

She joins Shiree Hocking, a 13-year QIC veteran who recently relocated to Singapore.

Hocking  - a director of international distribution for the Middle East and Southeast Asia - will focus on new business opportunities.

A QIC spokesperson said there were no immediate plans for more people. But the team will naturally grow in line with clients.

The two Brisbane-based executives will join distribution executives Ryan Choi and Ayako Mitsui.

QIC executive director of client solutions and capital Ravi Sriskandarajah said a local distribution team will deepen existing relationships with clients in the region.

"This team brings a wealth of local knowledge, experience and language skills, allowing us to work more productively to meet our clients' objectives while exploring new capital opportunities," he said.

"Choi and Mitsui are well respected in Korea and Japan respectively, and their critical insights and strong relationships will be an asset to our organisation."

QIC says opening the Singapore office is a logical next step in its evolution, allowing it to strengthen local partnerships and explore new capital opportunities in the region.

Until now, QIC's international presence has been centred around the US the UK and Europe.

Now, the private markets investor is looking to capitalise on deals with like-minded capital partners across Asia and the Middle East.