da Silva exits in SQM Research restructure

SQM Research has parted company with its Head of Manager Research, Rob da Silva as part of a restructure aimed at handling the firm’s rapid growth.

The restructure sees the appointment of former IOOF Head of Equities and Portfolio Construction, Paul Saliba and the promotion of SQM Senior Analyst, Chetan Trehan as sector heads.

In a formal announcement, SQM said it had decided to implement the restructure by bringing in sector heads to manage its ratings service and that this was aimed at levelling out the workload necessitated by expanding demand for ratings.

“We are excited to promote our Senior Analyst, Chetan Trehan and to appoint Paul Saliba as our sector heads,” the announcement said.

It said Saliba would be responsible for Fixed Income and Equities funds ratings with all other asset classes including alternatives, multi-strategy SMAs and real assets to be managed by Trehan.

The company is also seeking a mid-level analyst.

SQM said it was also forming a Ratings Committee to oversee new and changed ratings which would consist of the two sector heads, SQM Research managing director, Louis Christopher, and two external independents.

It said the two sector heads would report to the managing director and make their recommendations on the ratings to the committee.

The company paid tribute to da Silva’s contribution to SQM Research and said he had been instrumental in growing the firms offering.

“His work and contribution over time has been massive,” it said.

Financial Newswire understands that SQM is hopeful of continuing involvement by da Silva with its statement expressing “hope we can continue a positive collaboration going forward”.