Natixis IM country head exits to lead Evidentia Group

Natixis Investment Managers Australia and New Zealand country head Louise Watson is leaving the global asset manager to become chief executive of Evidentia Group, as the former simultaneously unveils a leadership shuffle amid her departure.

Natixis IM confirmed Danny King will succeed Watson as country head for Australia, while Barbra Whyte has been promoted chief operating officer for Australia.

King, who joined the firm in 2020 as head of institutional sales, will oversee the institutional and wholesale distribution strategy and work alongside affiliate managers to deliver investment solutions across the market.

Whyte has been with Natixis IM since 2014, joining as head of client service and operations for Australia and New Zealand.

The new appointments come as Evidentia announced Watson as its incoming chief executive, replacing Michael Wright, who will transition into the role of chair as part of the managed accounts provider's succession plan.

Wright will succeed Peter Smith as chair, with Smith remaining involved as founder, Evidentia Group board member, and as director and executive director at Generation Development Group.

Watson joins Evidentia with experience across global and domestic asset management businesses, having previously held senior roles at J.P. Morgan, Man Group, Credit Suisse, Aberdeen and Challenger.

She joined Natixis IM in 2018 and was appointed as the region's country head in 2021.

Evidentia said Watson's appointment comes as a critical point in the firm's growth trajectory, with the business seeking to further scale its platform capabilities and distribution footprint.

Wright said leading Evidentia and Lonsec Group had been "one of the most rewarding chapters" of his career.

"I am incredibly proud of the transformation we have achieved and the strong future focused organisation that has been built," Wright said.

"As the group enters its next phase of growth, I am excited with the addition of Louise ad her significant expertise and look forward to supporting Louise and the leadership team as Evidentia's chair," he said.

During Wright's tenure, Evidentia and Lonsec Investment Solutions were integrated into a larger managed accounts platform focused on governance, risk management and adviser solutions.

Smith said it had been "particularly rewarding" to see the two businesses come together under Wright's leadership to create a "scaled and leading managed accounts business".

Generation Development Group chief executive Grant Hackett said Wright's leadership had been instrument in shaping the business, while Watson brings a "proven track record in scaling investment businesses and driving strategic growth".

Watson is expected to commence in the role in August.