Aberdeen Asset Management Ltd. in Australia, which manages $19 billion, has merged its institutional and retail sales team into one after an internal review.

“It’s going to improve communications, our ability to cross train and that in turn will enhance our servicing of our clients and stakeholders,” says Brett Jollie, managing director of Aberdeen in Australia.

Stephen Dennis, the former head of institutional business development, was dismissed from the company following the re-structuring of the sales force.

“Unfortunately when there is structural change it came down to numbers,” says Jollie.

Alex Haynes, previously head of retail business development in Australia for Aberdeen, is now head of business development for the firm in Australia.

Amanda Young, formerly head of institutional client services, is head of client services.

Young and Haynes will report to Stuart James who has become deputy head of distribution.

James will oversee day-to-day distribution functions at Aberdeen in Australia. He will continue as the local representative of the company’s international equity offerings. James will report to Jollie who is also head of distribution for Aberdeen in Australia.

The company has about 75 employees in Australia. About $12 billion of the funds it manages is on behalf of instiutional investors.

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