DEUTSCHE Asset Management has appointed Alex Francois as director of sales, asset management in the global client group (GCG), Australia and New Zealand. Based in Sydney, Francois will focus on Deutsche Asset Management’s public markets capabilities, including equities and multi asset. Reporting to Lidia Tomova, head of GCG, Australia and New Zealand, Francois will play a central role in the firm’s future growth strategy across the two countries.

Francois joins with more than 25 years of experience in sales and distribution across institutional and wholesale markets. Most recently, Francois was head of institutional distribution, Australia & New Zealand at William Blair Investment Management where he was responsible for establishing the investment business in Australia, New Zealand and more broadly, Asia covering global equities, emerging markets and multi asset capabilities.

Prior to this, Francois held senior positions at Provident Capital, Principal Global I investors Australia, Schroders and ING NZ.

With proven ability in achieving funds under management (FUM) growth across most major asset classes, Francois brings significant investment knowledge, industry relationships and a client-centric approach to the role.

“We are pleased to welcome Alex to the team, his appointment demonstrates our commitment to growing our Australian institutional footprint with well tenured people,” says Chris Robinson, head of Deutsche Asset Management, Australia. He added: “We have a solid investment heritage in Australia, a strong local team on the ground, and a deep global product offering for our investors.”

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