AIMA Australia appoints new general manager

The Alternative Investment Management Association (AIMA) has appointed former hedge fund manager Michael Gallagher as General Manager of its Australian National Group.

Gallagher was chosen to fill the role previously held by Brett Ireland who has decided to focus solely on a full-time role elsewhere within the financial services industry.

Gallagher has over twenty years experience in the finance industry including more than ten years in alternative investment management. Most recently he was CEO of Kima Capital Management, the Australian and Hong Kong based fund manager he co-founded. Prior to Kima, he was Head of Australasian Equities for Rand Merchant Bank, overseeing the Asian proprietary trading, fund of funds, ETFs and structured products divisions.

He has also held senior equity proprietary trading, derivatives, structuring and supervisory roles at Rand Merchant Bank and Macquarie Bank in Australia, South Africa and the UK.

AIMA Australia Chairman, Paul Chadwick, said Mr Gallagher is extremely well positioned to represent Australian hedge funds and their contribution to the financial services sector.

“Michael brings deep knowledge of the sector, understanding of the strategic and operational challenges of running a hedge fund and the passion to make Australia a vibrant hub for hedge funds and investors,” Chadwick said.

“His insights will greatly benefit members and our dialogue with investors, government representatives and regulators,” he said, while also commending Brett Ireland for his contribution to growing AIMA’s relevance and credibility in recent years.

“Michael will coordinate with AIMA’s various groups and stakeholders including its Executive Committee, Regulatory Committee and Education Committee, both locally and regionally to refine and implement the association’s strategic plans.”