International investment management firm Barings recently appointed Duncan Robertson as the company's Head of Asia Pacific. Moreover, the company also hired Shelley Liu to sit as country head for China.
Many market experts agree that the recent changes in terms of Barings' management are part of the company's plan to seek a bigger role as well as expand its client base in Asia. Some added that the company is expanding its operation in the Asia Pacific, one of the fastest growing economies in the world during the past few years.
Prior to his new designation, Mr. Robertson worked as Barings' global head of distribution and marketing. With his new role as Head of Asia Pacific, he will now be reporting directly to the company's Chief Executive Officer and Chairman Tom Finkle. This was confirmed through a statement released by Barings on Aug. 21.
Now working as the newest Chief of Asia Pacific, Mr. Robertson will be relocated to Sydney, Australia which is a long shot from Charlotte, North Carolina. Moreover, Mr. Robertson will continue to oversee Barings' marketing strategy and distribution division.
In a statement released by the company, the appointment of Mr. Robertson to the newly minted position is part of the Barings' commitment to continually grow its investment operations and client base within the region. Based on the latest figures, Asia Pacific represents 34 percent of the company's external assets under management.
Barings also highlights the growing influence of the Asia Pacific market within the global financial market. By positioning itself right in the middle of this fast-growing region, Barings is set to deliver comprehensive investment solutions to all its clients.
On the other hand, the appointment of Ms. Liu came after the company received a license from the Shanghai municipal government. The license was issued earlier this month. The license will allow Barings to set up wholly-owned subsidiaries in China which can help the company's domestic fundraising campaign.
In a statement, Barings complimented Ms. Liu's leadership and in-depth knowledge of the asset management industry in China. Ms. Liu is also expected to play a pivotal role in establishing Barings' in the country, a market deemed very significantly by many experts.
Ms. Liu previously worked as the Chief Representative of Vanguard Investments Hong Kong in its Beijing office. She is also the head of the company's government relations department in China.
