Principal Global Investors says it has appointed Grant Forster as CEO of its London-based European operations, Principal Global Investors (Europe). Grant replaces Kirk West, who has moved back to Australia to serve as Country Head for the company’s growing business there.
“The UK and Europe is a central pillar of our global expansion plan and the appointment of Grant as CEO in Europe, as well as the recent appointments of key London-based investment staff in both equities and fixed income, represents the completion of an important stage of our strategy in Europe,” says Jim McCaughan, Chief Executive Officer, Principal Global Investors.
Since 1999, Grant had been a Director of Institutional Marketing & Client Service for Principal Global Investors at its head office in Des Moines, Iowa. In this role he marketed the firm’s investment capabilities to major investment consultancy firms, large pension plans and other financial services players in the United States. Previously, Grant had been Senior Vice President and Head of Mutual Fund Distribution in Hong Kong for the predecessor of Principal Global Investors.
Grant Forster added: “To be joining the London team at this early stage of its development is very exciting indeed. Our product offering in Europe is already attracting attention from a wide range of investors and I look forward to contributing to the growth of our business here. “