Meet the people behind GoalsGetter

Stuart joined Amova in 2014 and is responsible for managing the NZ business, he has over 20 years experience across all aspects of investment management. Stuart has extensive experience in conducting detailed research and developing investment recommendations on listed companies in both New Zealand and Australia he previously worked at ANZ Investments and its predecessors. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Auckland and is a Chartered Accountant. When not working, Stuart enjoys exploring NZ with his wife which typically involves a combination of walking tracks, playing golf and experiencing the local food and wine that each region has on offer.

James joined Amova in 2017. He is responsible for the oversight of all aspects relating to day to day operational functions, including technology, finance, product management and client reporting. He has over 20 years experience in the financial services industry and has held senior positions at JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley and State Street and has worked across the UK, US and New Zealand. James holds a Bachelor of Arts degree (Economics) with honours from the Durham University, UK. James enjoys cooking outdoors, building things, and spending plenty of time with family and friends.

Sam joined Amova in 2018 and is responsible for leading the distribution team. He has 15 years’ financial markets experience, previously holding roles at Aegis and ASB Securities and at several New Zealand banks. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree (Finance) from the University of Canterbury and holds a Level 5 Certificate in Investment Planning. In his spare time, Sam enjoys spending time with his family and playing all sports including golf, cricket and skiing.

Sam joined Amova in 2019 and is responsible for institutional client relationships. He has over 10 years’ investment management experience, previously holding roles at Legal & General Investment Management and GlaxoSmithKline in the UK and at Westpac NZ. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree (Finance) and a Bachelor of Arts degree (Psychology) from the University of Otago and is a CFA Charterholder. Sam enjoys spending time with family and playing the more than occasional round of golf.

George joined Amova in 2024 and is responsible for promoting and supporting the growth of the GoalsGetter platform, working primarily with financial advisers across NZ. He has 10 years’ experience with NZ Financial Services mainly focused on risk insurance advice and corporate employee benefits. Outside of work George enjoys spending time with his family, ocean swimming, skiing and slowly ticking off the Great Walks of NZ. 

Hilary joined Amova in 2017 and is responsible for the delivery of retail product and client services. She has over 20 years financial markets experience, working for Kiwi Wealth/GMI, Milford Asset Management, Citi and Credit Suisse. Hilary holds a Bachelor of Commerce and Management from Lincoln University and a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration from Massey University. In her spare time Hilary enjoys craft beer, sailing, going to bush doofs, spending time in the garden and is quite handy in the kitchen.

Simon joined Amova in 2019. He is responsible for managing legal risk and providing the company and Board with legal advice. He has 18 years’ work experience including five years working at Financial Markets Authority (FMA) in senior roles. He’s also held roles at Telecom NZ and Russell McVeagh. Simon holds a LLB from The University of Auckland, a PGDL from the College of Law, London, and Bachelor of Arts degree with honours in English Literature from the University of London. Simon enjoys walking his small but sometimes evil dog, collecting paintings, playing airsoft with his son and has an interest in Jungian Analytical Psychology.

Stephanie joined Amova in 2021, she’s responsible for customer enquiries and client service support. Stephanie has over 15 years’ experience, previously holding sales support roles at Perpetual Guardian and Canopy Group. She has a Customer Service and Business Certificate from the New Zealand Management Academy. Outside of work, Stephanie enjoys spending time with her family, club netball, church and music and has a mild addiction to crime and murder mysteries.

Pam joined Amova in 2008. She is responsible for operational functions for institutional clients, asset consultants and research houses. Pam has extensive experience and has previously worked for BT Funds Management and TEA Custodians. Pam holds a Diploma in Finance from the University of Auckland. In her spare time, Pam can almost always be found enjoying the great outdoors and enjoys kayaking, cycling and hiking.

Sharon joined Amova in 2018. She is responsible for the marketing, communications and PR for Amova and GoalsGetter.  She has previously worked for Fisher and Paykel Appliances, Visa Europe and Prudential in the UK.  Sharon holds a Bachelor of Management Studies degree from the University of Waikato.  In her spare time Sharon enjoys spending time with her family, playing tennis, coaching netball, mountain biking and hiking.

Fergus is responsible for the investment strategy, performance and compliance of the Bond, Cash and Currency areas. He’s been involved in the NZ financial markets since 1981 and has been with the company since 1990 when he joined as a Fixed Interest Manager. Fergus holds a Bachelor of Arts degree (Economics), from Victoria University and a Certificate of Treasury Professionals.  In his spare time Fergus enjoys walking his two dogs and running around the tennis courts on the North Shore of Auckland.

Ian joined Amova in 1998, Ian has over twenty years’ experience in the industry and is responsible for the implementation of investment strategy and day to day management of the fixed income and option portfolios. Ian holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance) and Post-Graduate Diploma in Commerce, (Finance) from the University of Otago. Ian enjoys spending time with his family, doing gymnastics with his daughter, working out at the gym and is a keen hunter and fisherman.

Matthew joined Amova in 2018 and is responsible for the implementation of investment strategy and management of the fixed income funds. Previously he was an investment analyst in the Amova Equity Team, Matthew returned to Amova in 2018 after six-years away, spending time in M&A in Canada’s Oil Patch and worked at the Comfort Group, Auckland. Matthew is a CFA Charter holder and holds Bachelor of Commerce (Finance) and Bachelor of Science (Statistics) degrees from University of Auckland. When not working, Matthew enjoys heading to the beach and spending time with his young family.

Michael joined Amova in 2006 and has over 20 years’ experience in fund management and previously held roles with Schroders UK and ASB Group Investments. Michael is a CFA charter-holder and holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Auckland. When not at work, Michael enjoys watching a wide variety of sports, especially rugby and league. He enjoys spending time with his family and is a keen runner and can often be seen running the streets of central Auckland.

Mei Zi joined Amova in 2015.  She covers ESG research, Quantitative analysis, Consumer Discretionary and Consumer Staples . Mei Zi has over 10 years’ experience in the finance industry including roles at Deloitte Cayman Islands, and RBNZ. She holds a conjoint degree in Business (Accounting) and Science (Mathematics), from the Auckland University of Technology. She’s also a member of Chartered Accountant Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ).  In her spare time Mei Zi enjoys exploring places off the beaten track with her family, snowboarding, and is a little too obsessed with her growing houseplant collection.

Michael joined Amova in 2012, he has over 10 years experience and covers the Telecommunications, Transport, Consumer Discretionary and Consumer Staples sectors.  Michael previously worked for ANZ Institutional Bank and Fortis Investments, London. Michael is a Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) and has a First Class Honours degree in Industrial Economics from the University of Nottingham Business School, UK. Michael enjoys spending time with his young family, taking his small yet energetic dog out for walks and watching football.  He also cooks a killer spaghetti bolognaise.

Owen joined Amova in 2020. He covers the Utilities, Infrastructure and Australian Property sectors. Owen has 10 years’ experience in the finance industry, most recently working for Jarden covering the New Zealand listed property sector. Owen holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree and a Bachelor of Science degree from Victoria University. In his spare time, Owen enjoys mountain biking, golf, and spending time with family and friends.

Tim re-joined Amova in 2020. He covers the Retirement, Financials, IT and Industrials sectors. He has 13 years experience within the finance industry. He previously worked for Amova between 2012 – 2018 and has also worked for BNZ Wealth and NZ Super Fund. Tim holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Auckland and a Masters of Applied Finance from Victoria University. In his spare time Tim likes spending time in the garden, taking his children to sport and the occasional catch up with friends over a quiet beer.

Alan joined Amova in 2023 and is responsible for providing overall management of the diversified funds and for managing external investment managers. He has over 20 years’ experience in investment management as both an analyst and portfolio manager. Prior to starting at Amova, Alan spent 16 years at ANZ Investments and has also held roles at Theta Capital Management in Amsterdam and Morley Asset Management in London. Alan holds a Masters of Science (Technology) degree from the University of Waikato and has been a CFA Charterholder since 2009. Alan enjoys playing and coaching a range of sports, taking on a few DIY projects around the house, and spending quality time with family and friends.