Matthews Asia has appointed DWS Group’s Sean Taylor to take over as CIO as Robert Horrocks (pictured) leaves the position at the end of the year.
Taylor will begin the position starting 1 January after his most recent role of head of emerging markets and chief investment officer APAC at DWS, bringing a specialty in emerging markets and Asia. At Matthews, he will preside over the San Francisco and Hong Kong investment teams. He has worked in the investment management industry for over 25 years.
See also: Interview with Cooper Abbott, Matthews Asia
Cooper Abbott, chief executive officer of Matthews Asia, said: “Sean brings extensive investment leadership to Matthews. In addition to seeking compelling investment performance, he will evolve our investment offering and support our ‘Active Partnership’ approach to clients that goes beyond product manufacturing to provide a holistic long-term investment solution.
“Having led investment teams globally for over 10 years, Sean has a proven track record as a strong transformational leader. Sean is also a highly experienced portfolio manager across Emerging and Developed Markets. Following other recent senior hires by Matthews, Sean’s appointment further emphasises our commitment to building a strong entrepreneurial leadership team that deepens our presence in Emerging Markets and Asia Pacific.”
While current CIO Horrocks will be stepping down from his leadership role, he will stay on as portfolio manager for Matthews Asian Growth and Income, Asia Dividend, and Asia ex Japan Total Return Equity funds. Horrocks has been at Matthews since 2008, and a Matthews Asia funds trustee since 2018.
“Sean is a highly regarded investment leader with an outstanding track record of building disciplined, high-performing investment teams globally,” Horrocks said.
“He will continue to evolve our investment platform across Emerging and Developed Markets to ensure we remain firmly aligned with the changing needs of our clients. As a passionate investor in Emerging Markets, Sean comes with a proven track record that immediately enhances our value proposition and I look forward to working closely with Sean over the coming months to ensure a seamless and successful transition.”
Matthews, which has invested in Asian markets for 30 years, holds $11 bn (£8.95 bn) under management as of 30 September. On 18 September, Matthews rolled out three new Article 8 emerging markets funds to investors.
“I am delighted to join Matthews at a time when investors are looking for deeper investment expertise across core asset classes,” said Taylor.
