Ausbil Dexia has hired a new financial sector analyst replacing Vilhair Ross, who left the firm in April to join the Packer-backed outfit Magellan Financial Group.

Adam Lancaster, Ausbil Dexia associate director wholesale marketing, said Ross’ replacement would start with the funds manager in July. Lancaster said the new analyst could not be named until he or she was “extracted” from their current firm. It is understood they are moving to Ausbil from a broking role. “The person we have hired has asked us to hold off releasing the name until then,” Lancaster said. Vilhair spent over three years at Ausbil Dexia covering the insurance, diversified financials and food, beverage and tobacco sectors. Lancaster said the new analyst would be responsible for the same areas. Including the new appointment the Ausbil Dexia portfolio management team totals 13 – nine analysts, two dealers and two quant specialists. Ausbil Dexia currently manages over $9 billion in Australian equities.