At Zenith our mission is simple: we partner with financial advice practices to build their investment capability, monitoring and governance.
We exist to strengthen the value proposition and entrustment of financial advisers to their investing clients.
We deliver this benefit to over 140 advice practices nationally by providing investment knowledge and delivering a robust and compliant framework to select investments and manage client portfolios. We've been doing this since 2002.
Our success is built on two key principles: investment research excellence and a business model aligned with advice practice success.
Zenith’s managed funds research team is one of the largest nationally and has consistently been ranked as Australia’s leading research house over the past four years.
Our owners are working partners and this is a key point of difference and motivator. Our clients directly benefit from a highly experienced and stable leadership team. We have skin in the game and our success is powered by the business success of our clients.
BCom, GDipAppFinInv (SIA)
Investment Research veteran and financial services executive facilitating premium investment outcomes
David Wright is a Managing Partner and joint founder of Zenith Investment Partners (Zenith).
David established Zenith in October 2002 and has extensive investment industry experience. David’s role includes overall responsibility of the business and remains closely involved in servicing the Firm’s investment consulting clients with portfolio construction, management and monitoring advice.
Prior to establishing Zenith, David held senior positions within the financial services industry including IWL Ltd (Head of Research), an ASX listed company in which he was also a significant equity holder. David was instrumental in building and further developing IWL's managed investment research methodology and process and expanding the group's distribution of research to financial advisers. Other roles included Associate Director and Head of Managed Funds research at Lonsdale Limited and an analyst with the Advisor Group, a national financial planning group.
David has extensive experience researching, assessing and rating many forms of managed investments including, unlisted managed funds, listed managed investments including LIC’s, ETF’s, ETMF’s and property syndicates.
David is also a former practitioner lecturer of the Securities Institute of Australia (now FINSIA).
Founder, Established Zenith in October 2002
BCom, GDipAppFinInv (SIA)
Strategic accomplishment and proven business acumen
David Smythe is a Managing Partner and joint founder of the research business he established in November 2002. David is heavily involved in all aspects of the Zenith business, including manager research, model portfolio construction and participation in client investment committee meetings.
Prior to forming Zenith, David held the position of General Manager - Managed Funds at IWL Ltd, an ASX listed company. An equity holder in that business since its establishment, David played an integral role in its growth. At time of his departure IWL Ltd was an employer of 120+ staff, the largest provider of adviser software, and a top 3 provider of managed funds research.
David commenced his working career with AXA Funds Management in a role providing research to its institutional client base, before moving to Lonsdale Securities as a Senior Investment Analyst.
Founder, Established Zenith in October 2002
GDipAppFinInv (SIA)
Portfolio construction specialist driven by superior investment returns
Glen Franklin is a Partner at Zenith and has over 18 years industry experience.
Glen is involved in all aspects of the Zenith, with a particular focus on chairing client investment committee meetings and constructing client managed accounts and model portfolios.
Since joining Zenith, Glen has been involved in leading manager reviews across a broad range of asset classes including Australian equities, international equities, property and alternatives. Glen has completed onsite manager reviews in several major financial capitals, including London, Hong Kong, Boston, Chicago and New York.
Prior to joining Zenith, Glen’s extensive background in financial services included an Investment Analyst role at Intech Investment Consultants, followed by a Senior Investment Analyst role at IWL Limited, where he was a vital cog within a two-member manager research team.
Glen has successfully completed the Level 1 exam of the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) program.
Joined Zenith: January 2005
BBus (Ec&Fin), CAIA
Investment Consultant driven to meet the investment goals of our clients and continually enhance Zenith’s client service offering
Ben Davis is a Partner at Zenith and has over 21 years industry experience.
Ben is a Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) and is a member of the Investment Management Consultants Association (IMCA) and the Chartered Alternatives Investment Analyst Association (CAIAA). In 2008, Ben was awarded the BlackRock sponsored CIMA Scholarship for Retail Managed Funds and Master Trust Research Analysts. Since joining Zenith, Ben has been involved in leading manager reviews across a broad range of asset classes including international equities, fixed interest, mortgages, property and alternatives. Ben has completed onsite manager reviews in several of the world’s major financial capitals across the US, Europe and Asia. Ben has also specialised in portfolio construction and the formulation of customised approved product lists for financial advisers, dealer groups and master funds and wrap account providers. This role involved chairing investment committee meetings and presenting portfolio updates to these clients on a regular basis.
Ben previously held a role as a Senior Investment Analyst at IWL Ltd, where he was a pivotal member of the manager review team. Ben commenced his finance industry career in a project management role at Bridge Information Systems, a global financial software provider, where he helped establish the software provider's presence in the Asia/Pacific region.
Joined Zenith: October 2003
BPharm, GDipAppFinInv (FINSIA), CFA, CAIA
Extensive fixed interest research experience delivering quality outcomes in consulting services
Steven joined Zenith Investment Partners in June 2008 as an investment analyst in his first role in the financial services industry. Previously Steven worked in the retail pharmacy industry as a practicing pharmacist.
Steven has extensive academic qualifications including a Bachelor of Pharmacy, Bachelor of Commerce, Graduate Diploma of Applied Finance and Investment and has successfully completed all 3 levels of the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) program. He has also completed both levels of the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) program. As such, Steven brings deep analytical skills and knowledge to his role at Zenith.
Joined Zenith: June 2008
MAppFin, BBus (Ec&Fin)
A diversity of skills and experience across asset classes, manager research and investment strategy
Matthew joined Zenith Investment Partners as an Associate Investment Analyst before being promoted to an Investment Analyst. He holds a Masters of Applied Finance from Monash University. In addition to this, Matthew also holds a bachelor degree in Economics and Finance from RMIT University.
Before joining Zenith, Matthew was a research analyst at a leading private wealth advisory firm, where he assisted in the monitoring and construction of the firm’s portfolios. Prior to this Matthew worked as a client services manager at the same firm.
Joined Zenith: June 2015
BBus (Ec&Fin) (App)
Proven aptitude in reporting and data analytics and committed to providing exceptional service
Sara holds a Bachelor of Economics & Finance (Applied) Degree from RMIT University and has over 6 years of experience within the financial planning and advisory services industry.
Supported by her proven aptitude in performance reporting and data analytics, as well as her expansive knowledge in managed funds and superannuation, Sara has joined Zenith to provide client and internal support to the Investment Consulting division.
Sara’s extensive understanding in financial planning and investment funds management ensures that she has the essential quantitative and critical analysis skills to deliver quality results.
Joined Zenith: October 2018
BCom
A demonstrated understanding that accuracy input equates to quality output
Lalitha is an integral member of the data and client service team where she has a genuine concern for quality and detail in collecting and inputting monthly return, fund and associated benchmark data into our database. Supported by her Bachelor of Commerce degree, Lalitha can gather information from various sources, interpret the data and identify anomalies which is integral to our data integrity.
Prior to joining Zenith Lalitha worked in a variety of business sectors including Manufacturing, Telecommunications and Mortgage Broking in office support roles.
Joined Zenith: May 2017
BSc, GDipEd, GDipFin, CFA
Adept executive focused on delivering research excellence
Bronwen commenced her career with Zenith as a Senior Investment Analyst before being appointed Head of Research in 2012. She held the position of Head of Research for seven years and is now the firm’s General Manager. Bronwen has over 24 years experience in the investment industry, specialising in the research and evaluation of equities investment managers and the provision of advice to a wide range of clients.
Prior to joining Zenith, Bronwen has held senior analyst roles with several firms, including: the Future Fund, where she was responsible for assisting the Head and Director of Equities in managing the equity component of the Fund; Lonsec, where she was responsible for research, analysis and advice on global equities and long short hedge funds; and Russell Investments, where she was responsible for the identification and evaluation of new U.S. equity manager and product prospects and the analysis and evaluation of U.S. Growth and Small Cap equity managers.
Joined Zenith: June 2011
AdvDipRurBusMgt, BBus & Associate AICD
Combining deep expertise in private market assets with ASX listed investments
Dugald is Head of Property & Listed Strategies, focusing on Australian and Global REIT funds as well as ASX listed managed investments. Dugald has spent over 18 years in the investment research industry and has expertise across a wide range of asset strategies and investment structures. In addition to his responsibilities for Property & Listed Strategies, he also heads up research on a variety of other investment products including Direct Real Estate Assets, Retirement Solutions (CIPRs) and Investment Bonds.
Prior to joining Zenith, Dugald was an Associate Director at Property Investment Research, where he was responsible for the operational management of the business in the research and ratings of A-REITs, unlisted property funds, property securities funds, mortgage funds and other real estate debt securities, as well as agribusiness funds. Prior to this, Dugald was a Senior Investment Analyst with Adviser Edge Investment Research, a boutique provider of research into the Agribusiness sector.
Dugald’s in-depth knowledge across his specialised fields has resulted in him being regularly sought as an industry commentator in a wide range of national media publications and industry journals.
Joined Zenith: February 2009
MAppFin, CFA, BCom
Research excellence underpinned by pragmatic global & domestic equities investment experience
Quan is the Head of Equities and is responsible for Global and Australian equities related investment products.
Prior to joining Zenith, Quan was a financial markets analyst at the Portland House Group, where he was responsible for the formulation, ongoing development and implementation of global equities investment/trading strategies.
Quan has a range of finance related academic qualifications including a Masters of Applied Finance from Macquarie University and a Bachelor of Commerce degree majoring in Finance from The University of Melbourne. Quan is also a CFA® Charterholder.
Joined Zenith: February 2012
BCom, GDipAppFinInv (FINSIA)
Combining a deep mix of ‘buy side’ experience with bottom-up manager research expertise
Rodney has over 21 years experience in the investment management industry spanning private client advice, investment consulting, manager research and funds management.
Rodney is responsible for leading Zenith’s Alternatives and Global Fixed Interest research coverage, which includes a diverse mix of absolute return strategies and more complex unconstrained fixed income strategies.
Prior to joining Zenith, he was employed with Man Group for eight years holding the position of Research Manager with Man Australia. This position provided Rodney with direct exposure to a range of hedge fund strategies with a specialisation in managed futures. Rodney’s background in financial services has included an Investment Consultant role at Intech Investment Consultants, followed by a Senior Investment Analyst role at IWL Limited.
Joined Zenith: January 2014
MAppFin, BCom (Acc&Fin), BEc
Experienced professional with broad based skills and a passion for investment research
Andrew has over 20 years experience spanning research, consulting, financial advice, audit and taxation. Andrew has in-depth knowledge across a broad range of core asset classes, with specialisation in Multi-Asset and Fixed Income. Andrew presently has lead responsibilities for Multi-Asset, Real Return and Australian Fixed Income. He is also a member of the Zenith Compliance Committee.
Prior to joining Zenith, Andrew was an Associate Director and Head of Multi-Asset at Standard and Poor’s, within the Funds Management Research division where he also had responsibilities across equities and fixed-interest. Further positions have included Consultant of PPB Advisory and Senior Research Manager at Pitcher Partners.
Joined Zenith: October 2012
BBus (Eco&Fin), AdvDipBus (Mktg), DipFinPlan
Draws upon a unique set of skills and experience to produce high quality investment research
Dan holds a Bachelor of Economics and Finance degree from RMIT University and brings to Zenith a unique set of skills and experience. Joining Zenith as an Associate Analyst, Dan has since risen to the level Investment Analyst, where he holds responsibilities across a range of asset classes including Fixed Interest, Property, Infrastructure and Multi-Asset.
Prior to joining Zenith, Dan worked as a Financial Adviser at a leading wealth management firm where he provided strategic advice across investments, superannuation, insurance, and retirement strategies. He has also worked in hospitality and hotels management, including five years in London’s luxury hotel industry.
Joined Zenith: February 2017
CFA, BCom (Acc&Fin), CFP®
A belief that quality investment research empowers advisers to positively influence their clients and the community
Stephen is an Investment Analyst covering Australian and Global equities related products.
Prior to joining Zenith, Stephen was a Financial Adviser at a leading financial services firm where he provided strategic advice and portfolio management expertise to a diverse client base. He was also an integral member of the firm’s investment committee which ran both managed fund and direct share model portfolios. Stephen has also formerly worked as an Accountant specialising in business and tax advisory.
Stephen is a CFA® Charterholder, a Certified Financial Planner® and holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting & Finance) from Monash University.
Joined Zenith: January 2018
BCom (Fin&Ec)
A passion for investments and qualitative analysis of equity strategies
Jacob is an Investment Analyst responsible for the domestic and global long/short equity sectors. Jacob joined Zenith as a Data Analyst, before being promoted to the investment research team as a Graduate Investment Analyst.
Jacob has a strong passion for investments and has gained significant direct fund manager research experience since moving across to the research team. His attention to detail and strengths in qualitative analysis have cemented his position as a key contributor to the team.
Jacob holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Deakin University.
Joined Zenith: March 2014
BCom (Fin), BEng (Hons)
Aspiring investment professional with a passion for financial markets and a strong technical background
Tom commenced with Zenith as an Associate Investment Analyst and holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree and a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) Degree from Monash University. While at university, Tom worked part-time at OC Funds Management as a Research Assistant with a focus on Australian small-cap equities. After graduating from university and prior to starting at Zenith, he worked as a project engineer on the NBN Project in Western Victoria.
Joined Zenith: August 2017
BCom (Bus)
Aspiring investment specialist with a passion for research and analysis
Adele holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree majoring in Business from the University of Melbourne.
Adele is responsible for researching and evaluating equities related investment managers. Before joining the Research team, Adele was part of Zenith’s Data and Consulting team for over two years. In this role Adele was responsible for gathering and examining a wide range of data, predominantly for assisting in Zenith’s investment manager reviews and assisting with client portfolios and queries. Adele also produced Zenith’s monthly market commentary and quarterly market reports.
Prior to joining Zenith, Adele worked in customer service, operations and business development roles.
Joined Zenith: May 2015
BCom (Fin&IntlBus)
Appreciation of financial adviser demands in research report delivery
Commencing with Zenith as an Associate Investment Analyst, Daniel holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Swinburne University of Technology with majors in International Business and Finance.
Prior to joining Zenith, Daniel worked in the wealth management division of a mid-tier financial services firm where he provided support to Paraplanners and Financial Planners. In addition to his financial services experience, Daniel gained exposure to institutional banking through a role in derivatives operations with National Australia Bank.
Joined Zenith: November 2017
BCom, BEng(Hons), DipFinPlan
A strong aptitude for investments and experience as a financial adviser
James holds a Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) from Monash University.
James joins Zenith after two and a half years as an Associate Financial Adviser with financial planning firms Perpetual Private and Wattle Partners (formerly Sornem Private Wealth). At Perpetual Private, James supported several large Not-For-Profit clients including preparing quarterly investment reports. He has also had experience as lead editor for an independent investment publication.
James brings to Zenith a unique skill set that combines investment research and first-hand knowledge of the research needs of our financial planning clients.
Joined Zenith: August 2018
Responsive, courteous and continually delivering exceptional service
Holly commenced at Zenith in 2018 as front of house reception and now provides complex co-ordination of logistics as well as day to day administrative support to the research team. Holly's attention to detail and outgoing personality perfectly complement her research co-ordinator role.
Holly has extensive customer service experience after spending the last five years working within hospitality and retail sectors in Melbourne and the United Kingdom.
Joined Zenith: April 2018
BA, GDipPropInvDev (Hons)
Supporting wealth advisers and their clients through the provision of quality, compliant investment solutions
John is Head of Sales and is responsible for developing and servicing the investment research and portfolio consulting requirements of Zenith's financial adviser client base.
With 26 years experience in sales and marketing, the last fifteen in the financial services industry, John has worked extensively with financial advisers both as a product provider and in the provision of managed accounts and investment research support.
John joined Zenith from the Macquarie Group where he was a Key Account Manager in their real estate funds management division. Prior to that he was Manager of Client Services at PIR, the independent Property Funds Investment research group. John has a Bachelor of Arts and a graduate diploma in Property investment and development with honours from RMIT.
Joined Zenith: April 2010
DipBus, CPA
Articulating and executing Zenith’s offering into meaningful and tangible solutions for Australian advisers
As National Key Account Manager John is responsible for engaging and supporting new and existing key clients through the provision of Zenith’s products and services.
Prior to joining Zenith, John worked for over seven years at Lonsec Research as General Manager, Sales & Client Services, and National Sales and Distribution Manager. The key facets of this role were to service existing research clients and grow subscriber numbers through building relationships with dealer group heads and financial planners. This included conducting ‘pitches’ to new clients, site visits, and presentations across a client base of over 350 dealer groups. The role also included product and offering development and the cross selling of other services in stockbroking and super fund comparators across emerging client markets.
Previously John held roles at the Over Fifty’s Group as Southern Sales Manager and at Invesco Asset Management Australia Limited where he was responsible for sales and client relationships of their Retail & Wholesale Managed Funds products.
Other roles include chief operational roles at County NatWest for 12 years and Lonsdale Financial Dealer Group as assistant to the General Manager.
Joined Zenith: December 2013
BBus (Acc), GDipAppFinInv (FINSIA), DipFinPlan
Working with wealth advisers on investment solutions that allow them to improve their business and better serve their clients.
Whilst studying his Accounting degree, Ross decided that a career in the financial services industry was what he intended to pursue. Over the next 15+ years he worked for the likes of Bendigo Bank , NAB, Citibank & UBS and has continued to study intermittently, completing a Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance & Investment and a Diploma of Financial planning.
Prior to joining Zenith Ross worked in business development for Leveraged Equities, servicing the margin lending needs of financial planners, stock brokers & their clients across VIC & TAS.
Joined Zenith: June 2019
BA (Media&Comm)
Building marketing and communication strategies to grow the Zenith brand and promote client offering.
Rachael is responsible for developing and executing the marketing and communications strategy of Zenith, as well as building brand profile across client, digital, online, media and social channels.
Rachael has more than 10 years of experience in marketing and communications within the financial services industry. Prior to joining Zenith, Rachael worked for a profit-to-members superannuation fund, she was responsible for overseeing the Fund’s marketing and communication activities.
Joined Zenith: June 2019
BA (Lit&Prof&CreatvWrit)
Taking ideas and developing creative concepts that deliver consistent and coherent messages to our clients
Asha is responsible for the coordination of our sales and marketing administrative requirements, including sales and marketing collateral, client contract management, sales and marketing campaigns and oversight of corporate website.
Asha has more than 15 years of experience in professional administration, sales and management. She has recently completed an Arts degree with majors in both: Literature and Professional and Creative Writing.
Asha’s passion for communications – coupled with her customer service expertise – makes her a dynamic addition to the Sales and Marketing team.
Joined Zenith: March 2019
DipHRM
The business conduit between our people and systems to support progression and ambition
With over 19 years administrative and management experience, half of which has been within the financial services sector, Trudy has transitioned her career into Human Resource Management. As the Zenith business has matured, Trudy has broadened her skills and is now focusing her time on our most important asset, our people.
Having completed a Diploma in Human Resource Management, Trudy is now integrating our HR framework, processes and systems into a human resource function which is seamless and user friendly for both management and staff.
Trudy has worked for IWL Ltd as General Manager Administration and provided Executive Assistant support to the CEO. Prior to this, Trudy was employed within the food industry and held various roles, most of which supported high level executives, at Ricegrowers’ Co-operative (SunRice) and ICM Australia Pty Ltd (Uncle Toby’s and Berrivale Orchards).
Trudy is a Professional Member of the Australian HR Institute
Joined Zenith: August 2007
Admission to Practice - March 2004, BA/LLB
Legal and compliance professional demonstrating genuine business and commercial acumen
Manuela joined Zenith Investment Partners in April 2014 and holds a Bachelor of Arts/ Law degree from Monash University. Manuela was admitted to practice in 2004 and brings to Zenith over 11 years of practice experience, five of which have been in-house as corporate Legal Counsel.
Before joining Zenith as Legal and Compliance Counsel, Manuela developed strong experience in the financial services sector after working as a part of the Legal and Compliance team at Vanguard Investments Australia and most recently as Legal Counsel for Emirates Leisure Retail Australia, with a strong focus on corporate commercial legal and compliance matters.
Joined Zenith: April 2014
CPA, PGDipAcc, BBus (Acc), BCom (BusMgt&Law)
Professional acumen coupled with numeracy excellence builds organisational effectiveness
Ronelle has over 31 years experience across accounting and general management capabilities and has had exposure to a broad range of sectors (Eg. manufacturing, construction, telecommunications and wholesale/warehousing).
Backed by her CPA qualification, Ronelle brings very strong analytical and problem-solving skills together with proven budgeting, forecasting and general finance management. The majority of Ronelle’s roles have had components of technical accounting and a strategic or a management focus. Her strong professional acumen and commercial focus supports the broader management team and the continued enhancement of our finance systems.
Joined Zenith: July 2015
Builds lasting relationships with industry contacts to deliver seamless co-ordination of activities to support the research team
Louise provides complex co-ordination of logistics as well as day to day administrative support to the research team. With over 21 years administrative experience Louise’s attention to detail and ability to provide team support across multiple asset classes, has made her an integral member of the research team.
Prior to joining Zenith Louise held administrative roles within the real estate, property development, legal and recruitment sectors. Louise is highly organised with a strong customer service focus.
Joined Zenith: February 2015
A genuine understanding and appreciation of service with consistent execution
With over 13 years administrative and customer service experience, Gemma provides the consulting team with valuable service support including contract management, licensing enquiries, compilation of quarterly portfolio reports and associated scheduling of investment committee meetings.
Gemma commenced with Zenith in a front of house reception role and has demonstrated proficiency to move into a true client service role. Gemma previously worked within the training and education sector in various administrative and client management roles.
With her strong customer service background combined with her organisational and time management skills, Gemma is adept at executing high service standards to our clients.
Joined Zenith: November 2012
Front line ambassador who prides herself on delivering superior customer service.
Emily commenced with Zenith in 2019 as our front of house receptionist. Emily’s enthusiastic and friendly disposition complements the broad customer service responsibilities within this role.
Prior to joining Zenith, Emily was the receptionist at RMIT University in the Academic Registrar Group where her primary focus was providing high-level customer service to university students, academics and professionals within the Education Portfolio of RMIT. Emily graduated from secondary school in 2017, holds a Certificate III in Business Administration and has also undertaken various voluntary and community service work assignments including Korin Gamadji Institute (Richmond Football Club) and at the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service.
Joined Zenith: March 2019
Enterprise Architect with a passion for software engineering, innovation and customer experience
As the lead for our internal IT team, Simon is responsible for the design and development of the Zenith suite of applications which are core to our online services and integration capabilities.
Simon’s strength in agile software delivery comes from over 15 years of experience developing customer facing websites and mobile apps. His passion for innovation, user experience and cloud computing make Simon a welcome lead for our IT team.
Joined Zenith: January 2015
BBus (ITComp&BankFin), CSSBB
An advocate for business and process improvement which is driven by the delivery of quality products and services
Penny commenced with Zenith as Head of Data and Analytics responsible for the centralisation and streamlining of the data collection processes. After four years in that role and achieving the key milestones and enhancements to that division, Penny has moved into a true Business Analyst role and is now the conduit between the business and IT division.
Penny’s passion for business and process improvement coupled with her innate ability to understand and articulate business initiatives will keep the business on track to deliver new projects and exciting enhancements to our clients.
Penny brings over 21 years’ experience in the Automotive and Health Care industries and is a Certified Six Sigma Black Belt. Many of her roles have focused on data analysis and process improvements.
Joined Zenith: February 2014
IT specialist bringing systems and concepts to life
Bran has extensive experience in the IT industry providing technical support across servers, networks, desktop PC and Mac as well as delivering a wide range of other hardware and software solutions.
With his strong problem-solving ability and keen sense for technology, Bran offers a superior level of IT support to our internal team which benefits a measurable productivity increase to the business.
Joined Zenith: June 2016
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