AusUnity PFS hires new head of research


Former Standard & Poors (S&P) director of fund services Jeff Mitchell has joined Australian Unity Personal Financial Services (PFS) as head of investment research.
Along with previously holding the role of S&P's co-head of wealth management for Australia, Mitchell has also worked directly with high net worth clients in a Melbourne-based boutique financial planning business as well as developing its investment process.
His appointment comes in response to advisers' demands for more assistance in constructing appropriate portfolios for their clients, Australian Unity PFS chief executive Steve Davis said.
"The universe of investment — good and bad — continues to grow, as does the investment knowledge of clients," he said.
"As a result, advisers need to be even better educated on investment options, asset allocation and portfolio construction."
Davis said the conservative investment approach undertaken by the business in the past would continue under Mitchell, who would also work to refine Australian Unity's five-part investment philosophy.
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