Firm starts CIO search and adjusts leadership as part of ongoing succession plan
AGF Management Limited has appointed Judy Goldring as chief executive officer, announcing a series of leadership changes that reflect its long-term commitment to strategic growth across asset classes and client channels.
Goldring, who first joined AGF in 1998 as General Counsel, was previously president and head of Global Distribution.
In a company announcement on July 11, she stated, “We take a deliberate and disciplined approach to succession planning and talent development, and I believe strongly in the deep bench strength we have at AGF.”
She said the leadership team is “well-positioned to drive continued success for the firm as we execute on our long-term strategic plan.”
Among the first appointments under Goldring’s leadership, Chris Jackson has been named president and chief operating officer, effective immediately.
He will report directly to Goldring and oversee the execution of business priorities and provide counsel on corporate initiatives.
Jackson has more than 35 years of experience in financial services and technology, including 14 years at AGF, and has served on the Executive Management Team since 2018.
AGF has also named David Stonehouse as interim chief investment officer of AGF Investments.
The firm has initiated a search for a permanent CIO.
During the interim period, Stonehouse will lead the investment management team with the support of the Office of the CIO, focusing on consistent client results and maintaining investment culture.
Stonehouse has nearly 30 years of portfolio management experience and has led North American and Specialty portfolios at AGF Investments since 2018.
Ash Lawrence, head of AGF Capital Partners and a member of AGF’s Executive Management Team, will now act as EMT sponsor for AGF Investments’ OCIO.
He replaces Kevin McCreadie in that role and will provide guidance on strategic planning and decision-making.
These appointments follow the sudden death of Kevin McCreadie, who had served as both chief executive officer and chief investment officer.
According to Wealth Professional, McCreadie joined AGF in 2014 after previous roles with PNC Capital Advisors and JP Morgan Asset Management.
In a statement, Executive Chair Blake Goldring said, “The entire AGF team is devastated by the loss of Kevin, our colleague and leader,” and added that McCreadie’s impact on the firm “will be lasting.”
As reported by Wealth Professional, the AGF Board of Directors activated its succession protocols and stated that it has “full confidence in [Goldring]’s ability to lead the firm given her profile, vision and demonstrated leadership skills.”
Blake Goldring also noted that the Board has confidence in the AGF team’s ability to continue delivering long-term results.
Goldring said AGF has grown and adapted through changing market cycles and shifting investor preferences “for nearly 70 years.”
She added that the firm plans to map its current talent to the right opportunities while adding new people in key areas.
