Smartshares CEO steps down

NZX looking for a new chief executive for Smartshares.

Thursday, January 26th 2023, 8:48AM

NZX-owned Smartshares chief executive Hugh Stevens has resigned to take the next step in his career.

Stevens will stay with the firm until June and then plans to take a break.

“I’m proud to have led the Smartshares team over the past five years, delivering a four-fold increase in funds under management. I am confident Smartshares will go from strength to strength in the future,” Stevens says.

NZX chief executive Mark Peterson says Stevens had led Smartshares through a period of strong growth and Smartshares was now an integral part of NZX Group business.

“We thank Hugh for his contribution and wish him all the best for the future,” Peterson says.

Smartshares is a wholly owned subsidiary of NZX and provides financial solutions to more than 119,000 New Zealanders. It has more than $8 billion in funds under management. Customers range from individual investors, businesses, and iwi to international community groups in the Pacific.

Smartshares’ strong performance in 2022 saw it win Research IP Fund Manager of the Year. It also won three other awards: the Longevity Award (SMS US 500), Global Equities Fund of the Year (SMS US 500), and the Australian Equities Fund of the Year (SMS AU Top 20).

Mr Peterson says recruitment for the new Smartshares Chief Executive would begin shortly.

Tags: Hugh Stevens NZX Smartshares