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Scott Bennett
Head of Quantitative Research and Client Solutions, Australasia at Northern Trust Asset ManagementScott Bennett is head of quantitative research and client solutions, Australasia where he is responsible for the development and support of Northern Trust’s quantitative solutions across both Australian and global equity markets. Scott drives thought leadership and works with large institutional clients on customized quantitative solutions.
Scott has more than 18 years of investment experience. Prior to joining Northern Trust Asset Management, Scott led the global quantitative research effort at Russell Investments, where he was responsible for more than $45 billion in assets under management across single factor, multi-factor, factor timing, environmental social and governance (ESG), and portfolio completion strategies. He was previously responsible for managing more than $7 billion in Australian equity portfolios that included after-tax, smart beta and multi-manager strategies.
Scott has been published in several academic journals covering ESG, risk measurement and portfolio construction. In 2010, Scott won the JASSA prize for “best paper” for his work on active share across Australian equity managers.
Joshua Edmunds
Manager of Operations and Member Services at Responsible Investment Association AustralasiaAs RIAA’s Manager of Operations and Member Services, Josh works across all areas of RIAA, back and front office. Josh is often the first point of contact for members and he provides support on many areas of RIAA's work plan, in particular working closely with RIAA’s financial adviser members. Josh holds a Bachelor of Commerce and Laws and a Diploma in Financial Planning.
Tom King
Chief Investment Officer at Nanuk Asset ManagementTom joined Nanuk in 2009 and is the firm’s chief investment officer and one of the firm’s portfolio managers with approximately 20 years’ investment industry experience in equity funds management, investment banking and private equity. He was previously an investment manager at Consolidated Press Holdings Limited where he was involved in the management and execution of a large portfolio of direct and listed investments. Before that he was employed in several roles with NM Rothschild & Sons (Australia) Ltd including within the mergers & acquisitions advisory business and as manager of the forestry managed investment scheme business. Earlier he worked as an investment analyst with Australian equities fund manager Herschel Asset Management Ltd and as an industrial consultant with Hagen & Co Pty Ltd. Tom holds a first class honours degree in Engineering from the University of Melbourne. He has also won an Olympic gold medal in sailing and has been awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for services to sport.
Karen McLeod
Certified Financial Planner at Ethical Investment AdvisersAs an Authorised Representative of Ethical Investment Advisers, Karen McLeod holds the highest level of accreditation in Australia as a Certified Financial Planner TM (CFP). She also holds a Bachelor of Business (with Distinction). She is accredited by the Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA) as a Certified Financial Adviser. Karen has served 6 years as a Board Member of RIAA and to the RIAA Certification Committee. Additionally, Karen is a member of the Ethical Advisers’ Co-operative and served as the Chairperson in 2014. She is also a member of the peak industry association in Australia, the Financial Planning Association (FPA). In 2009, the Australian Financial Review’s ‘Smart Investor’ magazine awarded Karen McLeod a place in their Master Class Top 50 Honour Roll (Australia wide). This achievement is based on her technical expertise. She has loved running her own practice in Brisbane for over 12 years.
Dr Stuart Palmer
Head of Ethics Research at Australian EthicalStuart is Head of Ethics Research at Australian Ethical. Australian Ethical is a leading ethical investment manager attracting a growing number of Australians expecting their investments to provide both competitive returns and positive change for society and the environment. Established in 1986, Australian Ethical manages over $6 billion in superannuation and managed funds for over 50,000 Australians. Stuart evaluates the impacts which companies' products, services and operations have on people, animals and the environment. He also contributes to Australian Ethical's engagement and advocacy for more sustainable business and investment models and practices. Stuart has previously worked with the Ethics Centre and has over 30 years’ experience in the investment, banking and legal sectors.
Stephen Panizza
Head of Renewables at Federation Asset Management Pty LtdStephen is a founding partner of Federation. He has over 30 years’ experience in the finance industry in Australia, Asia and the Middle East. Prior to joining Federation, Stephen was the Chief Investment Risk Officer of the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (“CEFC”). The CEFC is the world’s largest green investment bank, responsible for investing A$10 billion in clean energy projects on behalf of the Australian Government. The CEFC’s mission is to help lower Australia’s carbon emissions by investing in renewable energy, energy efficiency and low emissions technologies. In this role, Stephen was a member of the Investment Committee, Chair of the Asset Management Committee and also supported innovative start-up companies through the Clean Energy Innovation Fund.
Mai Platts
Director of BetasharesMai is responsible for supporting BetaShares’ distribution activities through Key Accounts and Intermediary channels. Mai has a strong sales background having worked in numerous distribution teams across the funds management industry. Previously Mai worked at iShares where her responsibilities were educating and promoting ETFs to financial advisers across NSW, QLD and ACT. Prior to iShares, she was a National Relationship Manager with Certitude Global Investments and has also held sales roles within Macquarie Bank. Mai holds a Bachelor of Agricultural Economics and a Master of Business Law from the University of Sydney
Dave Rae
Financial Planner at Federation Financial ServicesDave has been an adviser for 19 years and specialises in working with professionals and small business owners who are highly motivated to achieve their own definition of success. He guides his clients to achieve what is important to them and to live the life of their dreams.