Rob Adams, who for eight years was the Challenger Funds Management chief executive, has been hired by the London-based $103-billion asset manager Henderson Global Investors to head its business in Australia.

“It has been part of our strategy to grow our global presence by building out into this key market,” says Henderson CEO Andrew Formica, an Australian, in a statement.

“To do this requires a clear commitment to on-the-ground local knowledge and experience. Rob has a great track record both in terms of experience in the industry, and in building and running successful businesses.”

Henderson did not respond to requests to speak to Adams.

During his time at Challenger, Adams was part of a team that formed 10 boutique investment firms in five years with a combined $14 billion in assets under management.

Adams also worked at Colonial First State Australia, where he was responsible for all sales, marketing and product-development activities.

Henderson traces its origins back to 1934. It was formerly owned by AMP and employs 1090 people.