DST International (DSTi) says that John Booth is retiring as its Managing Director for Asia. Under his direction, DSTi is Asian operations grew from a small office in Singapore to its current five offices in China, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.
Prior to joining DSTi, Booth was the Managing Director for HiPortfolio Pty Ltd, which he helped grow less than 30 people, with operations in Australia and the United Kingdom, to more than 150 staff based in 5 countries. DSTi acquired HiPortfolio and all its staff in 1994.
“Key factors that have always made me defer this decision have been the many trials and tribulations that Asia has experienced in recent times and DSTi reaching critical mass in the Asian region,” says Booth. “Well, the good news is that I no longer have any excuses!! I have lots and lots to do and unfortunately time marches on. I wish DSTi and its staff all the best and even greater future success, especially the new Asian Management team of which I will always have fond memories.”
Mike Winn, DSTi is CEO, said he appreciated the huge contribution Booth had made to DSTi’s growth. “He’s lived through some difficult economic times in the Asian markets and still managed to grow the business profitably by building a superb team of dedicated professionals and delivering excellent service to our clients,” says Winn. “I wish him every possible enjoyment in his early retirement even though he’s actually younger than me (but not by much!). He leaves the DSTi Asian business in a very healthy state and that is a tribute to his hard work and expertise.”
Rhonda Lepsch will replace John as the Managing Director for Asia. She originally joined DST Systems in the United States in 1988 as an Analyst Programmer, where she worked on the TA2000 mutual fund system. In 1993, she joined DSTi in the UK as a Systems Manager, where she led the development for European Financial Data Service’s FAST2000 unit trust system. In 1996, Lepsch moved to Hong Kong to become the AWD Regional Manager – selling and implementing HiBPM (AWD) throughout Asia. Most recently in 2000, she was named the General Manager for DSTi’s North East Asia operations, based in Hong Kong.
“Rhonda has been groomed for this position for two years now, since JB told me of his plans to retire early so the company remains in very good hands,” says Winn. “Rhonda has been with us for over 15 years and understands both DSTi and all of our Asian markets well and I’m absolutely convinced that she will continue to grow the company and look after our expanding client list just as JB has done. We welcome Rhonda to her new role and wish her continuing success.”
“This is a very exciting time for us in Asia,” adds Lepsch. “The region, from a financial markets perspective has had several difficult years. Now that the economic environment is improving, we are poised to continue with the initiatives John has started that will result in even more growth of our client base throughout Asia, as well as our offices and expertise. I am thankful to have been able to work and learn from a man of John’s caliber and wish him the very best in his retirement.”