T. Rowe Price has elevated a long-serving executive to oversee adviser and platform relationships as it looks to deepen its presence in the Australian wealth market.
The asset manager has promoted Heath Branigan to head of intermediary for Australia, placing him in charge of the firm’s relationships with financial advisers, dealer groups, platforms and strategic partners.
Branigan assumed the role on 1 June and will lead the asset manager’s intermediary business locally while joining its Asia-Pacific distribution leadership team.
He reports to Elsie Chan, head of APAC distribution at T. Rowe Price.
The appointment comes as fund managers continue to compete for distribution opportunities across the advice market, with adviser engagement and platform access remaining key priorities for global investment firms operating in Australia.
Branigan joined the firm back in 2011 as a relationship manager and, prior to his promotion, worked with financial institutions as a business development manager.
More broadly, his 25-year career has seen him operate across Australia and the UK with prior roles at Asset Alliance, AMP Capital and J.P. Morgan Asset Manager.
Chan said: “Australia is an important market for T. Rowe Price and we are well positioned to service and provide solutions to our clients in this market. We look forward to building on the strong relationships Heath has established across the adviser community.”
Darren Hall, head of distribution for Australia and New Zealand at T. Rowe Price, said the promotion reflected Branigan’s contribution to the local business.
“Heath’s promotion recognises the meaningful contribution he has made to our Australian business over a decade. He is highly regarded across the industry, with a strong understanding of the local advice landscape and the evolving needs of advisers.
“These qualities make him well suited to guide the next phase of growth for our intermediary business.”
Branigan said advisers were facing a period of significant change driven by shifting client expectations, demographic trends and increasing portfolio complexity.
“We are focused on broadening strategic partnerships across the advice ecosystem, from individual advice businesses and dealer groups to asset consultants and investment platforms. By directly leveraging our global insights and collaborating on tailored investment solutions, we are well placed to help Australian wealth management firms navigate these challenges with confidence,” Branigan said.
T. Rowe Price has operated in Australia for more than two decades and offers investment strategies across equities, fixed income, multi-asset, alternatives and retirement solutions.
