Schroders Australia has confirmed that CEO Simon Doyle will retire in early 2026 after 22 years with the firm and almost four decades in investment management.
On his departure, Doyle stated it was the right time to step back from a full-time role and focus on family and broader industry contribution.
Following an external search, Schroders has appointed Alison Telfer as his successor. Telfer most recently served as CEO and country head of UBS Asset Management, Australasia, and previously held senior roles at BlackRock.
She is also chair of the Financial Services Council’s funds management committee and currently serves on its board.
Telfer is set to commence with her new role at Schroders in February 2026, with Doyle remaining in his role during a transition period. She will report to Schroders Plc group chief financial officer Meagen Burnett in London.
Burnett commented that Telfer is “the standout candidate to lead the Australian business and build on Simon’s success”, citing her strategic mindset and knowledge of the domestic financial market.
Doyle, who previously led Schroders’ fixed income and multi-asset division, said the business is well-positioned for future growth, with positive flows and strong investment performance.
“I look forward to watching the business thrive under her leadership,” he said.
Telfer stated she is “thrilled to take the baton” and build on the platform’s global and local strengths.
Meanwhile, Challenger has announced the appointment of Damian Graham as group chief investment officer, effective January 2026, in a newly-created role that will integrate investment teams across its life and funds management divisions.
Graham is set to join from Aware Super, where he currently serves as chief investment officer since 2016, overseeing a portfolio of more than $200 billion and leading the fund’s offshore expansion strategy. He previously held senior positions at StatePlus, Macquarie Group and J.P. Morgan.
Challenger managing director and chief executive officer Nick Hamilton said Graham brings deep investment leadership expertise across the retirement and superannuation sector and will support the group’s focus on investment excellence.
Graham said he is excited to lead Challenger’s investment teams at a pivotal time for retirement markets.
“Being part of the opportunity to support more Australians build better retirements is an exciting challenge,” he said.
