After over two decades at the helm, Schroders Australia’s Chief Executive Officer, Simon Doyle, has announced his retirement, effective early 2026. Doyle will be retiring from the firm after an incredible 22-year journey, wherein he rose to prominence in its multi-asset and fixed-income business.
Doyle originally joined Schroders in 2003 to assume the role of Head of Fixed Income and Multi-Asset investment. Since then, he has played an instrumental part in developing Schroders’ product capabilities in Australia, particularly being at the forefront of launching the flagship multi-asset vehicle, the Schroder Real Return Fund.
In 2023, he took over as chief executive officer, leading an organization through internal transformation, while adapting to a rapidly changing industry.
Indeed, during Doyle’s tenure, Schroders Australia has reported positive flows across its major strategies, underpinning strong investor trust.
The assets under management of the firm have grown, while its investment teams have continued to turn in good performance, even in uncertain macroeconomic times.
Doyle’s contributions have also been highly regarded by Schroders’ global leadership. According to Schroders Plc CFO Meagen Burnett, “Simon has made a truly exceptional contribution … his pioneering approach to multi‑asset investing and commitment to innovation set a new standard in our market.”
For Doyle, the timing of his decision to step down makes sense. At the end of nearly four decades in finance, he knows now is “the right time to step back from a full-time executive role” and explore other ways to stay engaged with the industry — while spending more time with his family, including his two grandchildren.
Looking back on his tenure, he was confident in the current momentum of the business: “We are seeing positive flows in all major strategies … our investment teams are performing well. Now is the right time to make this transition.”
The New Chapter: Alison Telfer Takes the Helm
She will be succeeded by Alison Telfer, who is presently CEO and Country Head at UBS Asset Management Australasia. Alison will formally join Schroders in February 2026.
Telfer brings deep experience: prior to UBS, she had over eight years’ experience at BlackRock, where her senior roles included COO and Managing Director for Australasia.
Her track record, combined with a deep understanding of Australian markets, made her the standout candidate, said Burnett.
Telfer’s remit will be to build on Doyle’s legacy while taking the business into its next phase of growth. She has spoken enthusiastically about taking over: “I am thrilled to take the baton from Simon … to lead this wonderful business and continue to build upon the exceptional capabilities of the local and global platform.”
She will report directly to Meagen Burnett, in line with Schroders’ global leadership vision.
Doyle’s Legacy and Impact
Simon Doyle’s reach into Schroders in Australia is deep and sustaining. Leading fixed-income and multi-asset businesses, he set a number of the strategies which have defined the local character of the firm. Under his stewardship, Schroders grew not only in scale but in maturity, befitting growing investor requirements and developing regulatory landscapes.
Along with commercial success, his focus on innovation and structured investing earned widespread industry respect. According to Burnett, he led Schroders Australia through profound internal transformation, setting it up well for future growth. Financial Newswire Why the Timing Matters The timing of Doyle’s departure seems calculated and well thought out. Announcing his retirement well in advance, Schroders ensures a seamless leadership transition wherein Telfer gets ample runway to understand the business in great detail before he officially takes over. AdviserVoice This degree of succession planning is particularly crucial in asset management, where client relationships, product continuity, and strategic vision are all highly sensitive to leadership change. Moreover, the fact that Doyle has decided to leave now underlines his feeling that not only the performance but also the culture and long-term direction of the business are in good shape.
The changeover is less a signal of trouble than a planned handover at a moment of strength. Looking Ahead With Schroders Australia, the baton has passed on to an able successor with an enviable track record. For the clients and other stakeholders, this continuum of leadership reduces uncertainty. And for the industry, what Doyle achieved offers a template: sustained commitment, innovation, and client-centric growth. Meanwhile, the appointment of Telfer sends the message that Schroders is doubling down on the Australian opportunity. With regulation, ESG focus, and active investing continuing to shape the market, under new leadership Schroders is poised to thrive. For Simon Doyle, retirement is a well-deserved break-but his influence will remain etched in the firm’s DNA. He leaves behind a business that’s not just growing but repositioned for long-term success.
