Eiger Capital co-founder flags retirement

Stephen Wood, the co-founder of small-caps specialist Eiger Capital, which has more than $895 million in funds under management, has announced his retirement.

Wood told investors he will remain on the portfolio management team until the end of the 2027 financial year to ensure a smooth transition, after which he will serve as a strategic adviser and mentor.

Wood, Victor Gomes and David Haddad founded Eiger Capital in 2019. The trio previously worked together at UBS Asset Management, launching the boutique together with Fidante Partners.

Wood was the lead portfolio manager of the UBS Australian Small Companies Fund, which he managed since 2006.

The team retained its investment process under Fidante at the time, running the fund with 30 to35 small caps listed on the ASX and NZX.

Before UBS, Wood was an equity research analyst covering a variety of sectors at Goldman Sachs and Deutsche Bank.

Wood commented: "It's been a privilege to spend close to four decades in investment markets, and the past seven years with Victor Gomes and David Haddad building Eiger Capital has been a truly rewarding chapter of my career. I'm confident in the team carrying it forward and look forward to supporting them in the years ahead."

The trio co-managed the flagship Eiger Australian Small Companies Fund together with Rachel Thomson.

Eiger Capital said his equity in the business will be redistributed among the remaining members of the investment team, while day-to-day portfolio management will continue to be supported by the existing team.

"Stephen has been instrumental in establishing Eiger Capital as a respected small-caps investment manager in the Australian market, and we congratulate him on a remarkable career. As long-term distribution and strategic partner, Fidante is delighted to continue supporting the team as they build on the strong foundation Stephen helped create," a Fidante spokesperson said.

Fidante and Channel Capital are in the process of merging, with the former set to be part of the newly formed entity Channel Group.

It will be led by current Channel Capital managing director Glen Holding, with Fidante continuing to operate as a standalone brand. Challenger will also own 45% of Channel Group.