Fidelity’s two sales hires amid wholesale push

Binaya Dahal

Journalist

18 February 2026

Fidelity International has appointed Gavin Butt as regional sales manager and Sam Besley as sales manager in its Australian team as the global fund manager steps up its investment in wholesale distribution.

The firm has said the hire were aimed at deepening client relationships across the intermediary market and enhancing local sales expertise to deliver more tailored support aligned to evolving client needs.

Butt, whose role will be based in Sydney, will support advisers with Fidelity’s suite of managed funds, exchange-traded funds and managed accounts, and report to Lauren Jackson, Head of Wholesale Sales.

He joins Fidelity with more than two decades of experience spanning wholesale distribution, investment consulting and asset management with most recently holding senior roles at Natixis Investment Managers. Butt has previously worked in senior portfolios at NAB Asset Management, AMP Capital and Amundi.

Meanwhile, Besley, who has previously been with Fidelity as a Business Development Manager, will be based in Melbourne, reporting to Lukasz de Pourbaix, Head of Strategic Sales and Solutions.

He will be responsible for leading and deepening relationships with key strategic clients at head office level, including consultants and private wealth groups, as well as driving commercial partnerships.

Besley joined the team from Ironbark Asset Management, where he served as a Key Account Manager across consultant, private wealth and adviser channels, and has held senior wholesale distribution roles at Robeco and Goldman Sachs previously.

Managing Director at Fidelity, Simon Glazier said the appointments showed the firm’s continued investment in the local market and its focus on building enduring adviser partnerships.

“These appointments reflect our ongoing commitment to the Australian market and to investing in experienced, high-quality local talent to support advisers and strategic partners,” Glazier said.

“Gavin and Sam each bring deep market knowledge and complementary skill sets that will further strengthen our wholesale sales capability and help us deliver long-term value for clients.”