Investment management firm Matthews Asia has appointed Cooper Abbott as its chief executive officer, succeeding William Hackett who retires at the end of this month and will serve as an adviser during the transition period.

Abbott brings more than two decades of senior investment management experience, working in a number of leadership roles, which have included establishing growth platforms for a diverse range of investment management businesses and client types. His experience includes public and private markets, organic and acquisition-led growth, institutional and wealth channels, all with a focus on building scale and global reach.  

Most recently, Cooper served as president and chairman at Carillon Tower Advisors where he founded and built a global multi-boutique asset management company providing equity, fixed-income and multi-asset class solutions to a range of institutional and retail investors.

Chris Carey, chair of the Matthews Asia board of directors, says: “Abbott’s deep knowledge of the investment management industry, together with his proven strategic and operational leadership experience, will drive further innovation and growth at the firm.”