Martin Currie Global Portfolio Trust has appointed Zehrid Osmani as joint Portfolio Manager of the Company, alongside Tom Walker, as part of a considered succession plan.
Osmani (pictured), joined Martin Currie last month to lead its Global Long-Term Unconstrained (GLTU) team, which will complement his additional role as joint Portfolio Manager of Martin Currie Global Portfolio Trust.
Osmani’s co-management responsibilities take effect on 30 June 2018.
Osmani will work alongside long-standing manager Tom Walker, who has been the Portfolio Manager since 2000, one of the longest tenures in the investment trust industry. Over that period, Walker has generated a track record of consistent outperformance for shareholders.
Osmani’s recent appointment strengthens Martin Currie’s global equity team that manages a range of highly differentiated investment strategies for clients around the world, including Martin Currie Global Portfolio Trust. The team consists of seven specialists that are supported by a further 46 regional investment professionals.
With over 20 years’ experience, Osmani brings a depth of knowledge and relevant skills to the role. He joined Martin Currie from BlackRock where, during his ten years, he played a key part in building their successful European equity franchise. He held a number of senior roles at the company, including Head of European Research, with responsibility for a 23-strong team of analysts. In this role, he developed and implemented a fundamental research platform, demonstrating his strong understanding of equity research. Osmani also managed a number of equity funds at BlackRock, with a specific focus on managing the team’s unconstrained, high conviction, long-term portfolios, driven by fundamental research.
Neil Gaskell, Chairman of Global Portfolio Trust, says: “I am delighted to welcome Zehrid to the portfolio management team and am pleased that he will have the opportunity to work with Tom as part of a considered succession plan laid out by Martin Currie.”
“Zehrid’s experience in high conviction portfolio construction and track record of managing concentrated equity portfolios makes him a perfect fit as joint Portfolio Manager. I look forward to working together and believe he will make a huge contribution to the Company.
Zehrid Osmani, says: “I am excited to join Tom as joint Portfolio Manager of Martin Currie Global Portfolio Trust and look forward to working together to identify the world’s best growth opportunities. “
“The Trust has earned a strong reputation for delivering consistent long-term performance combined with a number of characteristics that help to reduce volatility and I am committed to enhancing these attributes.”
Walker, says: “I look forward to working in partnership with Zehrid as joint Portfolio Manager and introducing him to our shareholders over the coming months. Martin Currie Global Portfolio Trust has developed a niche in the Global sector and I look forward to shareholders benefitting from his insight and expertise.”
