Lachlan Baird has joined Prime Value Asset Management as its new chief financial officer.
In the role, he will be responsible for overseeing the financial operations and the broader business operations.
Bringing a wealth of experience to the asset manager, he is tasked with driving strategic initiatives and financial and risk management leadership.
Baird most recently served as chief executive officer at Prime Super for 18 years and stepped down in December 2023.
As CEO, he drove the strategic direction of Prime Super to deliver significant growth via two fund mergers and strong investment returns for its members.
Other key milestones of his tenure include successfully navigating the 2008 Global Financial Crisis and business challenges of the COVID-19 period.
The role also included significant involvement in direct investing in property and infrastructure assets, both in Australia and internationally.
Prime Super has since unveiled his successor to be Raelene Seales, who joined as CEO in June 2024.
Commenting on Baird’s appointment, Prime Value Asset Management CEO and co-founder Yak Yong Quek said his extensive leadership experience in funds management will be an “invaluable addition” to the firm.
“Lachlan will be instrumental in refining our investment strategy, building a financial framework that promotes sustainable growth and delivers strong outcomes for our investors,” he said.
“Lachlan brings a strategic approach and a sharp focus on financial precision, which will be vital as we enhance our high-conviction product offerings. His expertise will strengthen key areas essential to the firm’s future, to ensure we’re well-positioned for the next phase of growth and success at Prime Value.”
Meanwhile, Baird noted Prime Value’s “impressive product suite” which includes high performing, actively-managed funds.
“I have watched with interest as the group has expanded into alternative assets, including dairy farms and retirement villages, showing that its active boutique approach translates successfully across different asset classes,” he said.
“The beauty of an Australian boutique such as Prime Value is its passion and high conviction in its investments, its ability to play to its strengths and offer something to investors of real value.”
Prime Value Asset Management, part of an investment group including Shakespeare Property Group, manages around $3 billion in equities, income securities, direct property and alternative assets in Australia.
