Q&A with ECP Asset Management's new Portfolio Manager
After several years in Hong Kong working in the global natural resources space at Macquarie, Andrew Dale is back on home soil to take up the role of portfolio manager in ECP Asset Management's new Sydney office. Find out where his passion lies, why being an extrovert has helped in his success and why he's trying to give away his talent for multi-tasking.
After several years in Hong Kong working in the global natural resources space at Macquarie, Andrew Dale is back on home soil to take up the role of portfolio manager in ECP Asset Management's new Sydney office. Find out where his passion lies, why being an extrovert has helped in his success and why he's trying to give away his talent for multi-tasking.
What are you most looking forward to in your new role?
I have a passion for wealth management and the market and this new role allows me to be more involved in direct investment. I am also very pleased to join a small team of professionals that have vast experience in the market. Manny [Pohl] has been investing for many years and his track record is excellent and his integrity as a person and an investor is very high. I am excited about the opportunity to learn from him and to also work with both Jared [Pohl] and Jason [Pohl]. The make up of the team and the good working relationship that we have enables us to focus on research and investing so as we can ensure the best returns for our clients.
What skill do you think is paramount in working in the financial services industry?
It is important to have a good grasp of financial principals. I completed a Commerce degree majoring in Accounting and Finance and I then went on to complete my Chartered Accountancy degree. I also spent time in an accounting firm looking at financial statements and conducting business reviews and audits. It is also important to have a good understanding of how businesses work and experience in meeting with senior management. The +10 years I have spent as an Equity Analyst across multiple sectors has meant that I have had many meetings with both CEO's and CFO's to go through company strategies and financials. Finally it is important to have a well rounded approach to dealing with people across multiple industries and organisations. The ability to generate and maintain relationships is very important and helps with the primary research function.
If you could give advice to someone starting out in the industry what would it be?
Always have a longer-term goal but maintain a level of flexibility in getting there. Provided you are moving forward and learning, it is always good to experience as many different things as you can while you are young. Jump at opportunities to do things you know less about and move away from things you have mastered already. This will ensure you are a well rounded individual and will mean that when you do eventually focus on one thing, you will have vast experience across markets to support you in that role.
Would you consider yourself an introvert or an extrovert? And why?
I am an extrovert and I think this is genetic to some extent. My father was in retail for 50 years and I went into retail and sales from an early age. I have always enjoyed communicating with people and I am genuinely interested in what people are doing. This enables me to create and maintain relationships with people across industry and this has helped me to gain an advanced understanding of things.
What was your very first job?
My first job ever was delivering local newspapers and pamphlets. I quickly graduated to dock hand at David Jones and then made it to the shop floor where I worked through-out school and University selling Toys and Small Appliances.
Do you have a secret skill/hidden talent?
Historically my hidden talent has been to manage many many tasks at once. This is a talent I am now trying to use less as I focus on the job at hand. When it comes to other things - I am always focused on my fitness (have to be in this industry) and while I am not the best at any one sport, I enjoy many different sports and train most days.
