Ausbil poaches Allan Gray manager for distribution push

Binaya Dahal

Journalist

14 April 2026

Ausbil Investment Management has appointed former distribution manager of Allan Gray Australia, Rob Lester, as its Business Development Manager, to oversee the servicing of wholesale clients across New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.

The Sydney-based firm, which holds over A$21.3 billion in funds under management, announced Lester’s appointment on Monday. He will report to Fawaz Rashid, Head of Wholesale Sales ex-North America at Ausbil.

Prior to his six years at Allan Gray, Lester held a Research Manager role at Gerson Lehrman Group, business development positions at Mainstreet Financial Group and a directorship at TDU Link. He also serves as an Officer Cadet in the Australian Army Reserve.

Rashid said Lester addition was valuable to the firm’s distribution team, as he boasts decade of experience spanning retail distribution, equities research and client advisory across the Australian market.

“His experience across retail distribution and investment management, coupled with a thorough understanding of the needs of wholesale clients, positions him well to contribute meaningfully to our business,” Rashid said.

“We look forward to welcoming him as we continue to cultivate long-term partnerships with investors across the region.”

Lester said the firm’s track record and its culture of active management attracted him to the role. “I’m very pleased to be joining Ausbil, given its strong reputation for active management and long-standing relationships with clients,” he said.

“I look forward to working with the broader distribution team to support our wholesale partners across NSW and the ACT.”

Founded in 1997, Ausbil is employee-owned and majority-held by New York Life Investment Management Holdings LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of New York Life Insurance Company.