Paul Bevin has been appointed as an independent director to the Board of Octagon Asset Management.

Paul has extensive experience in the investment management and superannuation industry. He recently retired from his role as General Manager Investments, New Zealand Government Superannuation Fund Authority and the National Provident Fund (managing over $7b of funds), a role he held for 18 years. 

For the 17 years prior to that Paul was Chief Executive and Chief Investment Officer of a successful wholesale investment manager (Tower Asset Management) with around $8b funds under management. He has been responsible for developing and leading investment strategy formation, investment manager selection and review and negotiation of commercial terms across all asset classes.

Paul is also a Licensed Independent Trustee and has been on the Board of the BNZ Officers’ Provident Association since 2005. He also serves on the Investment Committees of a Family Office and its charitable foundation.  He was a member of the NZ Stock Exchange Market Surveillance Panel from 1995 to 2001.

Octagon’s Chief Investment Officer Paul Robertshawe said the appointment comes at a time when the NZ$0.5b fund manager is focusing on attracting external mandates and direct retail investment into its funds.

“As a former CEO, Paul understands business strategy and financial management, staff engagement and financial alignment with organisational goals.  His depth of experience and knowledge will be invaluable to helping us execute our strategy and ensure best practice funds management disciplines,” Mr Robertshawe said.

In accepting the offer to join the Board, Paul Bevin said “this reflects my confidence in the strategy to grow Octagon Asset Management into a leading wholesale fund manager and in the team of professionals in the business.”

Paul joins Richard Bodman as the other independent director on the Octagon Board (of three directors) with the intention that Paul will assume the Chair in the second half of 2023.

Octagon Asset Management is part of the Forsyth Barr group of companies and was established in late 2021.  It manages NZ$0.5b across seven asset classes and in 2022 was awarded the New Zealand Equities Fund of the Year and was also a finalist in the Boutique Fund Manager of the Year, by Research IP.