Since the emergence of “Modern Portfolio Theory” and the “Capital Asset Pricing Model” in the late 1960s, institutional investors have taken a quantitatively driven approach to portfolio construction, looking to create portfolio diversification and obtain better risk-adjusted returns by balancing their asset-class exposures. This journey has seen several important advancements in thinking about how to optimally achieve desired results.
Funds that want to take the total portfolio approach first need to get the total portfolio view. To do that they not only need data – and lots of it – but a rock-solid understanding of exactly how they’re going to use it.
Sunsuper strengthens team with new operations position
(Pictured: Lounarda David)
Sunsuper has recruited Lounarda David, a former worldwide partner of Mercer and head of the Mercer Sentinel regional custody, transitions and implementation arm of the firm. She will be head of investment operations at Sunsuper – a new role.
Reporting to Sunsuper CFO, Bruce Wilson, David had recently been doing some consulting work with the fund and previously was involved in the transition of its custody business to State Street.
Wilson said her appointment coincided with a critical expansion period for the fund. He said: “Lounarda is one of the most experienced people in her field in Australia and will be a great addition to our capable investment team.”
David has been involved in various consulting jobs since she left Mercer in April 2012 after 14 years with the firm. Prior to Mercer she spent 12 years at State Street, finishing up there as a vice president and senior relationship manager.
She has an accounting and business degree but spent two years at a law firm prior to State Street.
