Our People

Darren Thompson

Chief Executive Officer
Co-Lead & Sector Portfolio Manager

Darren is the Co-lead Portfolio Manager for Northward Capital. Darren is responsible for sector research and portfolio construction for the Insurance, Diversified Financials, Telecommunications and Developers & Contractors sectors. Darren previously worked for IAG Asset Management as an Equities Analyst, Portfolio Manager and Co-Head of Equities. Darren has over 13 years' securities experience having worked for Deutsche Securities and Burdett Buckeridge Young where he was the Director of Industrial Research. Darren is qualified Bachelor of Economics (Accounting) and is an Associate Chartered Accountant.

Simon Rutherfurd

Chief Investment Officer
Co-Lead & Sector Portfolio Manager

Simon is the Co-lead Portfolio Manager for Northward Capital. Simon is responsible for sector research and portfolio construction for Construction Materials, Transport, Paper & Packaging, Commercial Services, Media and Infrastructure research. Simon has more than 17 years' securities experience having previously worked for IAG Asset Management as an Equities Analyst, Portfolio Manager and Co-Head of Equities. Before joining IAG, Simon worked for Prudential Portfolio Managers Australia as an Associate Director covering Australian & New Zealand stocks in the Transport, Healthcare and Food sectors. Prior to this Simon worked for ANZ Funds Management where he was NZ Equities Manager and as an Equities Analyst at BT Alex Brown. Simon is qualified MA (English) and MBA (Finance) as well as being a Chartered Accountant.

Stephen Ross

Sector Portfolio Manager

Stephen is responsible for sector research and portfolio construction in the Banking, Retail and Utilities & Infrastructure sectors. Stephen has over 12 years' securities experience having previously worked as an Equities Analyst and Portfolio Manager at IAG Asset Management covering the Banking, Retail and Food & Beverage sectors. Previous experience includes working in a variety of roles at Colonial First State where his research coverage included Insurance, Banks, Property Trusts, Diversified Financials and Diversified Industrials. Stephen commenced his career as a Quantitative Analyst with Mercury Asset Management in 1994. Stephen is qualified B.App. Sc, Grad. Dip. in Applied Finance and Investment. Stephen is also a Chartered Financial Analyst.

Diane Flynn

Sector Portfolio Manager

Diane is responsible for sector research and portfolio construction in the Healthcare & Biotechnology, Food & Beverages and Diversified Financials sectors. Diane has over 14 years' securities experience having previously worked for IAG Asset Management as an Equities Analyst and Portfolio Manager covering the Healthcare, Food & Beverages and Diversified Financials sectors. Prior to IAG Diane worked for Zurich Scudder Investments as an Equities Analyst covering the Tourism, Retail, Food and Healthcare sectors. Diane also worked for AMP for seven years as a Portfolio Manager/Analyst and as Manager of the Australian Equity Operations area. Diane is qualified Bachelor of Business.

Michael Bentley

Sector Portfolio Manager

Michael is responsible for sector research and portfolio construction in the Metals & Mining, Steel and Energy sectors. Michael has over 10 years' securities experience having previously worked as a Senior Analyst / Portfolio Manager for the Colonial First State GAM Core Australian Equities team covering Resources and Energy stocks, including small caps. Within the "Resources coverage" he has also covered Chemicals, Steel, and Paper and Packaging stocks and some mining services companies. Michael has extensive accounting experience prior to joining CFS. Michael is qualified Bachelor of Economics and is a Chartered Accountant. He is also a Chartered Financial Analyst. 

Michael Heavener

Senior Equities Dealer

Michael is responsible for all dealing functions and portfolio implementation. In his current role, Michael executes orders on the Australian equity, options and futures markets on behalf of Northward Capital. Michael has more than 22 years' securities experience having previously worked at IAG Asset Management as Senior Equities Dealer. Before joining IAG Michael worked for Instinet advising Australian and International Fund Managers on trading strategies for Australian and International equities. Prior to this Michael worked for Prudential-Bache Securities and Potts West Trumbull Stockbrokers. Michael holds a Master of Applied Finance from Macquarie University.

Charles Brooks

Investment Specialist

Charles is responsible for institutional distribution and client relationships. Charles has over 14 years of investment experience having previously worked at MLC Investment Management (MLCIM) as an Investment Analyst. Prior to working at MLCIM, Charles started his investment management career in the UK working for Morgan Grenfell Asset Management as an assistant Portfolio Manager on global and European mandates for institutional clients. Arriving in Australia Charles worked for United Funds Management ultimately heading up the Investment Management team. Charles holds a BA (joint Hons) and a Master of Applied Finance from Macquarie University.