JANA appoints inaugural chief investment officer

The asset consultant will soon have its own chief investment officer, hiring Matt Wacher to the newly created role.

JANA said the appointment reflects its constant evolution as the world in which it operates changes, with client and regulatory expectations on the rise.

As first reported by Financial Standard, Wacher recently stepped down as chief investment officer, Asia Pacific at Morningstar Investment Management and chair of its global investment committee.

Prior to Morningstar, Wacher was the investments chief at Cambooya, the family office for the Vincent Fairfax family. He's also held roles at Qantas Super, Russell Investments and CMC Markets.

At JANA, he will lead the overarching investment strategy and oversee investment outcomes across all client segments and mandates. This includes the investment research, investment strategy and sustainability functions.

Wacher will report directly to chief executive Georgina Dudley, who said the creation of the role is in response to the increasing breadth and complexity of client needs.

"JANA has a team with real depth across research, strategy and sustainability, and I'm incredibly proud of what they've built," Dudley said.

"As demand continues to broaden across our clients, the work is becoming more multi-dimensional as we support a wider range of client objectives and portfolio needs."

"A chief investment officer role strengthens investment leadership across our business and ensures we continue to deliver disciplined, long-term outcomes for our clients."

Wacher, who will take on the role on May 19, said: "I'm excited to join JANA at a time when clients are placing an even greater emphasis on disciplined decision-making and consistent oversight."

"JANA has built strong investment capability grounded in rigorous research and thoughtful portfolio construction.

"My focus will be to provide leadership across the investment function, build on the depth already in place, and ensure we continue delivering disciplined, long-term outcomes for clients."