Deputy chief executive Paula Ferrao and deputy chief investment officer James McDonald have been placed in the positions of interim chief executive and interim chief investment officer respectively, taking charge of Mr Hall’s responsibilities effective immediately.
Ms Ferrao has 19 years’ experience in the funds management industry, and commenced with Hunter Hall as the firm’s chief financial officer in 2010 before taking on the deputy chief executive role in 2016.
Mr McDonald has also worked in funds management for almost 20 years, 13 of which have been spent at Hunter Hall, starting with the company as a portfolio manager in 2003 before being promoted to deputy CIO in 2011.
The company’s board said it is commencing a “formal executive search process” for both the chief executive and CIO roles, but noted that Mr Hall “will continue to assist the board and management with the transition process”.
Hunter Hall chair Kevin Eley told InvestorDaily the business was “disappointed” with how Mr Hall’s departure had thus far been managed, but added he had “total faith” the firm would continue to conduct business the way it always has.
The company said its funds “continue to be managed in line with their respective investment objectives and ethical screens” despite the changes.
