JANA hires general manager, wealth

The asset consultant picked BT's former managed accounts lead to head up its wealth division.

JANA Investment Advisers has appointed Zac Leman to the newly created position of general manager, wealth.

Leman was most recently head of managed accounts and direct equities at BT Financial Group, a role he held since 2019. Previously, he was head of platforms investment product development.

Prior to BT, he spent four years at Mason Stevens, including as head of adviser services.

At JANA, he will lead the wealth business strategy, strengthening advice, investment, operational and implementation capabilities to support continued growth in the segment.

Meantime, head of wealth Michael Karagianis will continue to lead JANA's Wealth consulting relationships.

The group said Leman's appointment reflects the strong growth and momentum in its wealth business, which has now grown to more than $15 billion under advice or management, about one fifth of which is in managed accounts.

"Zac's appointment strengthens our leadership at a time when clients are seeking more sophisticated, institutional-quality capability that's delivered to meet their needs," JANA general manager of strategy and innovation Lauren O'Neill, whom Leman will report to, said.

"Drawing on his deep understanding of the wealth and advice landscape, Zac will play a key role in expanding access to our investment expertise, and delivering consistent, high-quality advice and implementation outcomes."

Meanwhile, commenting on his new role, Leman said: "JANA's client-first philosophy, purpose-led approach and its depth of investment capability strongly align with how I think about delivering value to clients."

"The business has built real momentum in the wealth segment, and I'm excited to be joining at a time of opportunity and growth.

"The wealth sector continues to evolve, with increasing demand for more sophisticated, outcome-focused solutions. I'm looking forward to working closely with clients and partners to build on JANA's strengths and deliver advice and implementation that supports long-term value creation."