Fund manager CEO to depart business

Leader 'proud' of KiwiSaver adviser offering

Fund manager CEO to depart business

The CEO of Milford Asset Management will leave the business after almost a decade.

Milford Asset Management CEO Mark Ryland (pictured above) has led the company for the last five years. The company  provides six KiwiSaver funds and 12 managed funds.

Earlier this month, Milford Asset Management chair Gavin Walker said in an email to customers that the CEO had announced his intention to step down.

Mark Ryland brought “total commitment” and “high energy” to the CEO role, he said.

“During his five-year tenure as chief executive officer, Mark’s focus on ensuring consistent delivery of outstanding performance and service to our clients, together with the further development of our strong digital capability and culture, will be a legacy of which he can be very proud,” Walker said.

Reflecting on his time at Milford Asset Management, Mark Ryland told NZ Adviser he felt “honoured” to have led such a talented group of people.

“I’m incredibly proud of the outstanding performance and service we have delivered to our clients, together with the development of our strong digital capability and culture,” Ryland said.

Milford Asset Management was awarded Morningstar’s overall New Zealand Fund Manager of the Year in 2023,  and the Morningstar Fund Manager of the Year: KiwiSaver.

Ryland said he was also proud of the service launched by Milford Asset Management for the independent KiwiSaver adviser market three years’ ago.

“This offering has grown rapidly, and we are now working with more than 150 Financial Advice Providers exceeding $500m in funds under management,” he said. “It’s a great outcome for the client, as the advice and guidance they are receiving from their adviser will support them in achieving their KiwiSaver goals."

Ryland said he looked forward to spending more time with family and a period travelling, before embarking on his next challenge.

Ryland will step down as the KiwiSaver and investment fund provider’s CEO at the end of March 2024. The board said this would enable a thorough process to be completed to appoint and transition a new leader.

Other recent changes within the finance industry include the departure of Bluestone managing director strategic partnerships Peter Wood, and the promotion of David Bishop to chief marketing officer at the Financial Services Council