Jelena Stevanovic will start as CEO on 1 July following the retirement of Gary Adamson.
Adamson has worked as CEO since May 2016 and has spent 20 years at the business in a variety of roles, joining in 2003 as its chief operating officer.
During his time at the business, the fund manager has grown from $40 million in 2003 to $5 billion today in assets and funds under advice on behalf of super funds and institutions.
Stevanovic has worked at Platypus for 15 years, joining in 2008 as a senior equities analyst before becoming a portfolio manager on its flagship equities portfolio in 2016. She is also a member of its investment team and works closely with Prasad Patkar, the firm’s head of investments.
With Stevanovic moving up to the leadership position, analyst Stephen Butel will move into a portfolio management role in line with the firm’s succession plans.
Platypus chair Geoff Black said: “On behalf of the board and the broader Platypus team, I would like to firstly thank Gary for the exceptional leadership and vision he has provided as Platypus CEO and acknowledge the significance of the contribution he has made to Platypus since joining the company as chief operating officer in 2003.
“The board is delighted to announce Jelena’s appointment as CEO. Jelena is a valued and respected leader in the Platypus business and her deep understanding of, and contribution to, Platypus’ people-centred and collegiate culture has been well received by staff and clients.
“Jelena is uniquely placed to build on Platypus’ strong track record as one of Australia’s leading equities funds management businesses and we look forward to watching her positively shape the business in future.”
Stevanovic added: “I am delighted to have been given this opportunity. Platypus’ strong performance track record, its talented and diverse team and client-first culture have underpinned the success of the business over last two decades. I am very much looking forward to building on these successful foundations, to deliver superior outcomes for a broader range of investors into the future.”
In 2021, Australian Unity acquired 100 per cent of the issued share capital in Platypus Asset Management, having been a joint venture partner in the business since 2006.
