VAM Funds, a UCITS V Luxembourg fund management company, has announced the hiring of industry veteran David Cockerton to provide consultancy services in expanding its existing business across the Middle East. Reporting directly to Sales and Marketing Director, David Macdonald, he will work closely with Mark Taylor, VAM’s local Regional Manager, on executing VAM’s sales and distribution growth plans across the region.
Cockerton will act as a senior adviser to VAM Funds, growing its life company, investment platform and bank relationships across the Middle East.
Cockerton, who previously held several senior positions with Zurich in Asia, Europe, and more recently, the Middle East, left Zurich in January after 23 years with the insurance giant. Prior to his departure, he co-chaired the HSBC and Citibank Regional Steering Committees and played a pivotal role in Zurich’s recent announcement of an exclusive distribution agreement with Standard Chartered Bank in the UAE and Bahrain.
Founded in 2001, VAM has its multi-asset discretionary funds advised by Close Brothers Asset Management and its single strategy funds advised by Driehaus Capital Management.
David Macdonald, Sales and Marketing Director, VAM Funds, said: “I am absolutely delighted to have secured the services of David and have him join our team. The wealth management industry is experiencing a multitude of changes across the Middle East, and David’s insight and expertise will help us fully realise the opportunities that this creates.”
David Cockerton, Senior Advisor to VAM Funds, said: “I am thrilled to be advising and working with VAM on the next phase of its growth strategy in the Middle East. Having lived and worked in the region for the past seven years, I have first-hand knowledge of the challenges that lie ahead as the anticipated regulatory changes are introduced.
“VAM has a very clear plan and is well equipped to be agile in its delivery in support of its distribution partners.”