Nikko appoints new board chair

Nikko Asset Management has appointed a new board chair with a strong history in New Zealand's financial sector.

Tuesday, July 24th 2018, 12:15PM

Tracey Berry will take the role from September 1.

She has previously been head of wealth management at Westpac NZ, general manager wealth at Kiwibank, and general manager retail distribution at Kiwibank. Most recently she was Kiwibank’s group manager sales and service.

She has also been a member of the FMA’s Financial Advisers Disciplinary Committee since its formation in 2010.

She joins three existing directors of Nikko AM NZ: George Carter, managing director; Junichi Sayato, executive deputy president of Nikko Asset Management and Tracey Jones, an independent non-executive director appointed in August 2017.

Carter said he was excited with Berry’s appointment: “Tracey’s energy and passion for our industry and her focus on client satisfaction is a perfect fit with the approach of Nikko AM NZ.

“As we launch our Nikko AM KiwiSaver Scheme and develop innovative ways of offering financial services to New Zealanders, Tracey’s experience and leadership skills will be enormously beneficial in helping us achieve our vision and excel in what is a rapidly changing wealth management sector in New Zealand.

“Our investment philosophy is driven by high conviction ideas and fresh perspectives, and Tracey will complement our board, at a time when we are increasingly focused on offering modern investment solutions to retail customers.”

Berry said she was delighted to be taking on the role of independent director and chair. “Nikko Asset Management has a strong reputation and team, and I was impressed with the overall group strategy and support for New Zealand, coupled with their genuine and resolute commitment to their clients.”
Nikko AM NZ actively manages around $5.3 billion of investments. It manages domestic assets through its Auckland-based investment team and employs carefully selected offshore managers to manage global assets.

It is solely in the business of investment management and currently manages investments for corporate superannuation schemes, community and charitable trusts, foundations, financial planners, banks, insurance companies, KiwiSaver schemes, corporations, other fund managers and retail investors.

Tags: Nikko AM