River and Mercantile appoints Tim Horan to lead Australian and New Zealand business

This is a supplied media release.

London based investment management specialist River and Mercantile Asset Management LLP (River and Mercantile) has appointed former Westpac executive and former Australian rugby international Tim Horan to managing director of its newly launched Australia and New Zealand operation.

Mr Horan’s appointment coincides with the launch of River and Mercantile’s first Australian registered unit trust, available to institutional investors from this month.

Mr Horan joins River and Mercantile from Westpac where he headed the sports and entertainment business in private and premium banking for more than seven years. Prior to this, he was head of capital raising at Meridian Funds Management, responsible for raising more than $75 million in unlisted property funds.

In his role leading the Australian and New Zealand operation of River and Mercantile, Mr Horan will be responsible for establishing and growing the business in the region.

“I am delighted to be joining River and Mercantile at this exciting stage in its global growth. The unique, consultative approach which the business applies to investment strategy held strong appeal for me,” Mr Horan said.

“River and Mercantile genuinely listens to its clients and is focused only on delivering effective solutions and products that meet those clients’ needs. That personal and considered approach is not common, and I welcome the opportunity to utilise my experience and relationships to build the business in this market.”

Mr Horan was joined today by River and Mercantile’s chief executive of asset management, James Barham.

“Australia and New Zealand are key strategic markets in our global development. Since 2013, we have had clients in Australia and New Zealand, but with increasing demand for our services, we recognise the importance of having a greater presence in this region with dedicated leadership,” Mr Barham said.

“We are exceptionally pleased that Tim is joining the business to establish our office and build out our relationships across the institutional, wholesale and family office markets. Tim needs no introduction and we have been incredibly impressed with his business acumen, his insight and his leadership. It is clear that his skills on the pitch have been quickly transferred to the business world and we’re confident that Tim is the perfect fit for River and Mercantile, both in culture and attitude. His passion, drive, humility and real desire to engage with people are qualities we value highly and we have no doubt Tim is the right person to develop our business and build the team here.”