GSFM has promoted Steven Taylor to the role of national distribution manager, based in Brisbane and recruited Simone Newman as a key account manager for Victoria and Tasmania, based in Melbourne.
Mr Taylor previously held the role of Queensland state manager and has been with GSFM since joining from Challenger Group where he was also Queensland state manager in 2013. He will continue to be responsible for the Queensland intermediary market, while reporting to head of retail distribution, Stephen Fletcher.
Prior to his tenure with Challenger Group, Mr Taylor was with Credit Suisse Asset Management, Skandia and Macquire Bank, where he started his career in 1996.
Ms Newman joins GSFM from Dexus-owned APN Property Group, where she was the head of group marketing and distribution, bringing 20 years of experience in marketing and distribution in the financial services industry. She began her career at ANZ in business advisory services before joining APN in 2009.
She also previously held the roles of senior manager, retail distribution and head of marketing and investor services.
Damien McIntyre, GSFM CEO, said the appointments are a result of strong demand for GSFM’s investment strategies, while highlighting the extensive experience that the two appointees will bring to their new positions.
“Steven has over 25 years’ experience in retail distribution, and his understanding of the industry as well as his product knowledge are a fantastic resource for our team.
“Expanding Steven’s role to include national distribution means that his expertise will be fully leveraged, to the benefit of our sales team, our investment manager partners, and our clients,” Mr McIntyre said.
He continued by remarking on Ms Newman’s “wealth of retail distribution experience from her tenure at APN Property Group.”
“She will be an invaluable part of the retail distribution team as we continue to grow our business,” Mr McIntyre said.
Mr Fletcher commented that the appointments are “timely”, coming during a period of solid growth for the GSFM business as demand for GSFM strategies and funds “continues to be strong.”
“With their proven track record and strong industry networks – having Steven and Simone in these new roles, will serve GSFM well as we position for the next phase of growth, and will help ensure we can continue to service clients effectively and efficiently,” Mr Fletcher said.
