Aberdeen Standard Investments appoints a new head of Thailand and new head of Australian Equities.

Robert Penaloza is the new Head of Thailand while Michelle Lopez will become Head of Australian Equities, said Aberdeen Standard Investments on Monday. 

«Robert Penaloza's appointment signifies our commitment to the business and clients in Thailand. As the market continues to open up and opportunities are rising for global asset managers following recent regulatory relaxation, the time is right for us to devise a long-term strategy to capitalize on the growth potential,» said Ian Macdonald, Deputy Head of Asia Pacific at Aberdeen Standard Investments in a media statement.

Deep Experience 

Based in Bangkok, Robert will lead a 60-strong team in Thailand to spearhead the development of a long-term strategy to drive the future growth of the business, Macdonald added. Robert has a track record in managing high-performing teams across geographies. He joined the firm 22 years ago as an Asian Equities Assistant Investment Manager in Singapore and is most recently Head of Australian Equities. 

Robert was also instrumental in establishing ASI’s Thailand business, with deep experience in the domestic asset management industry and the equities market. From 2001 to 2008, he was the Chief Investment Officer and later the CEO for Aberdeen in Thailand, successfully building the domestic investment team and business. He has been a long-standing member of ASI Thailand’s Board of Directors since then.

Michelle Lopez's Promotion

Lopez (pictured above) has over 15 years’ on the ASI Australian Equities team, said Flavia Cheong, Head of Asia Pacific Equities at Aberdeen Standard Investments. Based in Sydney, Lopez has contributed as a senior member of the team for a number of years, most recently as Deputy Head of Australian Equities where she has played a pivotal role in managing the team and driving investment outcome. 

«Michelle Lopez is a very experienced investor and is Robert’s natural successor to lead the team. She is well respected by our clients and the investment community and this promotion is reflective of her commitment, knowledge and proven ability,» said Cheong.