The chief executive of Fortis Investments Australia, and his two insto sales lieutenants, have failed to secure ongoing positions following the merger with BNP Paribas Investment Partners Australia, part of the global sale of Fortis Bank to BNP Paribas.

It is understood that Ian Manton-Hall, a twelve-year veteran of Fortis and its predecessor ABN Amro Asset Management, will stay for a transition period until the end of Q1 next year.

His directors of institutional sales, Kerrie Howard and Martin Smith, are understood to be departing just before and after Christmas respectively.

The exisitng BNP Paribas Investment Partners team, including Australia-New Zealand head Rob Harrison and co-heads of institutional business development Marianne Poirier and David Grybas, are all understood to be remaining in place.

It is understood the Australian equities team at Fortis, which owns 60 per cent of the Fortis Investment Partners business, will be unaffected as it provides BNP Paribas IP with a domestic equities capability for thee first time.

Rob Harrison was overseas at presstime and unavailable for comment, while Ian Manton-Hall could not be reached for comment.