Case Study: Head of Distribution
Recruitment Process for Head of Distribution – La Trobe Financial
CLIENT
La Trobe Financial is a leading Australian credit asset manager, renowned for its diversified investment offerings and commitment to delivering consistent returns to investors. With a strong presence in the financial services sector, the firm sought to enhance its distribution capabilities to support its growth trajectory.
CHALLENGE
In response to evolving market dynamics and an ambitious growth strategy, La Trobe Financial identified the need to appoint a seasoned Head of Distribution. The objective was to find a leader with a proven track record in funds management distribution, capable of expanding the firm’s reach across intermediary and retail channels. The ideal candidate would possess demonstrated leadership capability, deep industry relationships, strategic insight, and the ability to drive sales performance in a competitive landscape.
SOLUTION
Leveraging our extensive network and expertise in financial services recruitment, Kaizen Recruitment conducted a comprehensive executive search to identify candidates with the requisite experience and cultural fit. Our process involved:
- Mapping the market to pinpoint distribution leaders with a history of success in funds management.
- Engaging with potential candidates to assess their alignment with La Trobe Financial’s vision and values.
- Facilitating a rigorous interview process, including stakeholder meetings and strategic presentations.
OUTCOME
Through this executive search process, Kaizen successfully placed James Waterworth as Head of Distribution.
James has over 20 years of global and domestic experience in funds management and brings exceptional leadership, deep distribution expertise, and a broad network across the Australian and financial services industry.
Prior to joining La Trobe Financial, James held senior roles at BlackRock in both Australia and the UK, including Director, Head of Intermediary Relationships and State Manager VIC/SA/TAS/WA. His background includes leading high-performing distribution teams, managing key relationships across the wealth ecosystem, and deep product expertise spanning cash, fixed income, equities, private markets, and alternatives. He has also held senior ETF sales roles at Société Générale and UBS, and was recognised as “Executive of the Year – Distribution” at the 2020 Financial Standard MAX Awards.
James’s appointment will strengthen La Trobe Financial’s distribution capability and support its mission to expand market reach and deliver long-term value to investors.
Get in Touch
Based in Melbourne and Sydney, Kaizen Recruitment specialises in financial services recruitment across funds management, wealth management, superannuation, investment consulting and insurance. If you’d like to discuss candidate career drivers and the current state of the market within the financial services recruitment landscape, feel free to reach out to us with your details below.
Like what you see?
Please feel welcome to join
Kaizen Recruitment’s mailing list
