Q&A with van Eyk's new Head of Consulting
Otto Rieth has been appointed head of asset consulting and strategic research at van Eyk. Rieth has worked with the organisation for more than 13 years and is a senior member of the team. He replaces Jonathan Ramsay who departed last week along with asset consultants Fil Andronaco and Jonathan Tolub. Rieth tells us about the new role, his first job, and how he likes to unwind.
Otto Rieth has been appointed head of asset consulting and strategic research at van Eyk. Rieth has worked with the organisation for more than 13 years and is a senior member of the team. He replaces Jonathan Ramsay who departed last week along with asset consultants Fil Andronaco and Jonathan Tolub. Rieth tells us about the new role, his first job, and how he likes to unwind.
What are you most looking forward to in your new role?
van Eyk offers a broad range of research and portfolio construction products and services, and my role is to bring those solutions together to provide a holistic investment solution for new and existing asset consulting clients.
What is the biggest challenge you think you'll face?
Markets are set for a prolonged period of lower returns with greater volatility. Debt and demographic changes are key challenges as well as geopolitical tensions around the world. The battle between deflation and inflation will be around for some time. Policy makers have, and will continue, to pull out all stops to avoid a deflationary scenario. Happily, Australia is in a relatively good position. My team will continue working to develop asset allocation strategies which have the flexibility to deal with an uncertain future.
How has your previous role/s at van Eyk prepared you for your new position?
There is increasing investor and adviser interest in direct shares and separately managed accounts and I'm extremely well placed to deliver solutions that meet those demands given I've spent many years managing van Eyk's direct equity and SMA portfolios.
I've also had broad exposures to other parts of the business including macro and investment strategy and contributing to the Investment Outlook Reports.
Would you consider yourself an introvert or an extrovert? And why?
I'm probably somewhere in the middle. Perhaps an extroverted introvert or vice versa?
What was your very first job?
Like many people, I started my working life as a paper boy as well as mowing lawns for spare change.
Do you have a secret skill/hidden talent?
I am a keen amateur (unpaid) home landscape gardener. Getting away from the computer / iPad is a great release.
