(Pictured: Michael Gallagher)

The Alternative Investment Management Association in Australia has filled its vacant general manager’s spot with the appointment of experienced hedge fund manager Michael Gallagher. One of his first tasks will be to help finalise the program for the association’s upcoming annual conference.

Gallagher, who follows Brett Ireland in the job, has more than 20 years experience in the finance industry including more than 10 years in alternative investment management.

Most recently he was chief executive of Kima Capital Management, the Australian and Hong Kong-based fund manager he co-founded. Prior to that, he was head of Australasian equities for Rand Merchant Bank, overseeing the Asian proprietary trading, fund of funds, ETFs and structured products divisions.

The AIMA Australia Hedge Fund Forum, which last-year attracted a sell-out crowd of more than 150 attendees, will this year take place at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth on September 16. The keynote speaker is expected to be announced within the next week. Last year it was London-based, but Australian-born, Sir Michael Hintze, founder of multi-strategy manager CQS and a big-time philanthropist.

Paul Chadwick, AIMA Australia’s chair, said Gallagher was extremely well positioned to represent Australian hedge funds and their contribution to the financial services sector. “Michael brings deep knowledge of the sector, understanding of the strategic and operational challenges of running a hedge fund and the passion to make Australia a vibrant hub for hedge funds and investors,” he said.

The general manager coordinates with AIMA’s various groups and stakeholders including its executive committee, regulatory committee and education committee – both locally and regionally – to refine and implement the association’s strategic plans.