Columbia Threadneedle Investments (Columbia Threadneedle) today announced that Vanessa Donegan, Head of Asian Equities, Europe at Columbia Threadneedle Investments is to retire after a career of more than 35 years, including the last 32 years at Columbia Threadneedle and its predecessor firms.
Donegan (pictured), is one of the longest serving female fund managers in the City and has been a role model for female talent within the firm and the broader industry.
In January this year, Columbia Threadneedle brought together its regional Asian Equities teams as an eight-strong global capability, led by Singapore-based Soo Nam Ng. Soo Nam has over 20 years’ experience of managing Asian equities and joined Columbia Threadneedle in 2013, following six years as Chief Investment Officer at Nikko Asset Management.
Donegan will be transitioning portfolios over the next few months, with new lead managers formally taking over portfolios on 1 October 2018. She will be with the firm until the end of year to ensure a full handover and to continue to provide guidance and support to the investment team and to clients.
Subject to the relevant approvals, the flagship Threadneedle Asia fund will be co-managed by George Gosden and Soo Nam Ng. The Threadneedle China Opportunities Fund has moved to co-management with Jin Xu, currently deputy manager, from the start of July. Jin will become lead manager from 1 October.
Mark Burgess, Chief Investment Officer, EMEA at Columbia Threadneedle, says: “Vanessa’s contributions both to Columbia Threadneedle and to our industry have been immeasurable and she has been integral to helping build Columbia Threadneedle into the firm it is today She has been an investor through historically transformational times in Asian equity markets and has spearheaded our efforts to build an integrated structure whereby our Asian teams in different geographies collaborate with their investment colleagues across the globe.”
“She has also been a role model to women entering the industry and has mentored young female talent through the business. While we are sad to see Vanessa go, today’s announcement is the result of robust succession planning, and she leaves in place a strong and successful team.”
“I’m excited about our global Asia equities capabilities under Soo Nam Ng’s leadership, continuing to offer clients quality growth and high conviction strategies.”
“On behalf of Columbia Threadneedle I would like to thank Vanessa for the significant contribution she has made over 30 years to our clients, our investment team and our business. We wish Vanessa a long and happy retirement.”
Donegan says: “I’ve been with Columbia Threadneedle since Threadneedle’s inception in 1994. During those twenty-odd years it has been exciting to see the business grow into a global entity with a clear focus on developing new talent and building strong client relationships. I have also seen huge change in the breadth of investment opportunities on offer in Asian markets, particularly in the markets of India and China. I am proud of the Asian equities franchise I leave behind and look forward to the team continuing to deliver for our clients under Soo Nam’s leadership.”
