New head for Stanlib unit trusts
UNIT trust company STANLIB has named Kim Zietsman its new head of single manager unit trusts, a portfolio of 36 funds with a total value of more than R70 billion, covering on- and offshore products.
Zietsman was previously head of international investments where she led the strategic consolidation and repositioning of STANLIBs offshore product offering. She joined STANLIB Wealth Management in 2002 as a member of the product development team, helping to design marketplace winners such as the STANLIB flexi-income fund.
Zietsman, a Chartered Financial Analyst, entered the financial services industry via RMB Asset Management where she led the corporate sales effort.
Says Zietsman: I take on the single manager unit trust portfolio at an exciting time. STANLIB handled well over R150 billion in client transactions last year and we see continued growth going forward.
Our partnership with the adviser is the bedrock of our business and the platform for further expansion. Innovative tools such as our Fund Focus on risk assessment and asset allocation have proved a major success and helped advisers cement relationships with their own clients.
Macro developments provide a springboard for further success by STANLIB and its broker-partners.
Zietsman explains: The creation of a savings culture is becoming a national priority. Economic growth is approaching 5% a year and we are witnessing the development of a new middle class a huge new market for the investment industry.
The challenge in partnership with the adviser is how best to harness these strategic opportunities.
Zietsman has a marketing background. Before moving into financial services she was a brand manager at LOreal SA, working with global brands such as Ralph Lauren and Giorgio Armani. She then held product management and marketing responsibilities in the Braun Division of Gillette SA.
She notes: I know the value of working with strong brands with distinctive positioning. STANLIB, in view of its strong brand portfolio, is well placed.
The adviser has a major role to play as we leverage further growth from this base. Recently, we have seen signs of market volatility and investor skittishness. In such an environment, adviser-led growth is the key to marketplace success.
