PIMCO looks within for ETF sales head



PIMCO has named its head of exchange-traded fund (ETF) sales for Australia, having promoted an account manager who joined the firm in July 2024.
It was confirmed that Kanish Chugh had taken up the Australian head of ETF sales position at PIMCO.
Chugh first joined the fund manager mid-last year as an account manager within its Australian global wealth management team.
Taking to LinkedIn to announce the move, he said: “I am thrilled to announce my new role as head of ETF sales at PIMCO Australia. Joining PIMCO has reignited my passion for innovation in investment solutions, and I am excited to help build and support our ETF platform’s development and growth.
“Thank you to everyone who has supported me during this transition and the team at PIMCO for welcoming me with open arms. I look forward to connecting with clients and other peers and explore new opportunities as we embark on this exciting journey together.”
Prior to this, Chugh spent a decade at ETF provider Global X, initially joining when the firm was called ETF Securities, and worked in a variety of roles including co-head of sales. This culminated in him being appointed as head of distribution in September 2022.
His departure a year later came “as a result of a restructure designed to position the brand for continued growth and to align our operations with the functional structure of other Mirae Asset-owned investment brands worldwide”, Global X said at the time.
PIMCO recently announced the launch of four ETFs that seek to democratise active fixed income investing in Australia. Investors can access the products on Cboe Australia, having launched on 5 February 2025.
The fund manager’s four new investment vehicles are the PIMCO Global Bond Active ETF (PGBF), PIMCO Diversified Fixed Interest Active ETF (PDFI), PIMCO Global Credit Active ETF (PCRD), and PIMCO Australian Bond Active ETF (PAUS).
Sam Watkins, executive vice president and head of PIMCO’s Australia and New Zealand business, commented: “As one of Australia’s biggest fund managers, PIMCO is excited to introduce these active fixed income ETFs that will fill critical gaps in the market and meet the evolving needs of our clients.
“PIMCO has been in Australia for more than 20 years, and we look forward to expanding our ETF offerings in the future to meet the evolving needs of our clients.”
Across the globe, PIMCO manages US$1.95 trillion ($3.1 trillion) in assets under management as of 31 December 2024.
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