Toronto-based First Asset Investment Management Inc. says it is making portfolio manager changes to certain of its mutual funds.
Manash Goswami is being promoted from his current position of co-manager to lead portfolio manager of First Asset Canadian Dividend Opportunity Fund, First Asset Canadian Dividend Opportunity Fund II and First Asset Utility Plus Fund.
Goswami has been a portfolio manager at First Asset since 2007, holds an MBA and CFA designation, and was recently recognized by Brendan Woods International as one of Canada’s top portfolio managers for 2013. His expertise is in managing equity mandates with a focus on investing in companies with the ability to sustain and grow dividends. In particular, he is most recognized for investing in utilities, energy and energy infrastructure.
Goswami will be primarily supported by Kate MacDonald, portfolio manager and Winnie Jiang, associate portfolio manager, as well as the broader First Asset portfolio management team. The investment objectives and strategies for the funds, which have approximately $200 million in assets on a combined basis, remain unchanged.
The funds’ previous lead manager, John Stephenson, is departing to pursue other opportunities, including an anticipated launch of a hedge fund. Stephenson will provide support as necessary through the transition until the end of May.