Sydney, Australia – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Evidentia Group, Australia’s leading provider of managed account solutions, today announces a planned leadership evolution, with Chief Executive Officer Michael Wright to assume the role of Chair of the Evidentia Group Board. As a result, the Group is delighted to announce the appointment of new Chief Executive Officer – Louise Watson.
Michael Wright will succeed Peter Smith as Chair. Importantly, Smith will remain deeply involved as Founder, Evidentia Group Board Member, Generation Development Group (GDG) Director and Executive Director across GDG. He will continue to play an active role with Evidentia clients, strategic relationships, and in overseeing future strategic initiatives.
This transition reflects the Group’s long-term governance and succession planning and the Board’s commitment to continuity, stability, and sustained strategic execution as Evidentia enters its next phase of growth.
Introducing Louise Watson
Louise Watson is a highly regarded asset management executive with extensive experience leading growth and transformation across global and domestic markets. Most recently Country Head of Natixis Investment Managers Australia and New Zealand, she was responsible for driving operational transformation, expanding and diversifying institutional and adviser distribution capability, and accelerating both organic and inorganic growth.
Her career spans senior roles with leading global financial institutions including JPMorgan, Man Group, Credit Suisse, Aberdeen and Challenger. Across these organisations she played a pivotal role in developing multi-affiliate investment platforms, strengthening institutional and wealth distribution strategies and supporting advisers, wealth firms and institutional clients with differentiated investment solutions across public and private markets.
Louise is recognised for her strategic leadership, strong commercial acumen, and client-focused approach. She brings deep investment, distribution and advice industry expertise, with a strong ability to bridge sophisticated investment capability with adviser and client outcomes. Louise’s appointment comes at an important point in Evidentia Group’s growth journey, with her expertise expected to accelerate distribution opportunities and scale platform capability as the business enters its next phase.
Wright will work closely with Watson to ensure a seamless leadership transition and maintain strategic momentum across the Group.
Continued Leadership and Strategic Stewardship
As Chair, Wright will remain closely involved in Evidentia Group’s strategic direction, corporate governance, and long-term growth agenda.
Under Smith’s and Wright’s leadership at Evidentia and Wright’s tenure as CEO of the Lonsec Group, the businesses have been reshaped and strengthened within the Australian financial services sector. Wright led the integration of Evidentia and Lonsec Investment Solutions into a scaled, market-leading managed accounts platform, while enhancing governance and risk and delivering sustained, innovation-driven growth for advisers and clients, firmly positioning Evidentia Group as one of the most trusted and progressive organisations in the managed accounts industry.
Reflecting on his transition to Executive Chair, Michael Wright said:
“Leading Lonsec Group and Evidentia Group has been one of the most rewarding chapters of my career. I am incredibly proud of the transformation we have achieved and the strong, future-focused organisation that has been built.
“As the Group enters its next phase of growth, I am excited with the addition of Louise and her significant expertise and look forward to supporting Louise and the leadership team as Evidentia’s Chair. This transition allows me to continue contributing to Evidentia’s long-term strategy, governance and ambition while ensuring the business remains well positioned for the future.”
Further reflecting on the transition, Founder and Director of Evidentia Group – Peter Smith said, “It has been particularly rewarding to see Evidentia and Lonsec Investment Solutions come together under Mike’s tenure as CEO to create a scaled and leading managed accounts business, which has continued to grow and strengthen its position in the market.”
Support from Generation Development Group
Grant Hackett, CEO of Generation Development Group, said:
“Mike has demonstrated exceptional leadership throughout his time leading Evidentia Group and Lonsec Group. His strategic vision, focus on governance and risk, and commitment to delivering value for advisers and clients have been instrumental in shaping these businesses.
“We are delighted that Mike will continue to play a critical role as Chair of Evidentia Group, providing continuity and strategic leadership as the organisation enters its next phase.
“Importantly, we are pleased that Peter Smith continues to play an active and influential role across Evidentia and GDG as Founder and Director, maintaining strong continuity across clients, market relationships and strategic initiatives.
“We welcome Evidentia Group’s new CEO – Louise Watson, a highly experienced asset management leader with a proven track record in scaling investment businesses and driving strategic growth, who will commence in the role in August.
“GDG remains strongly committed to supporting and investing in Evidentia’s next phase of growth. The combination of ASX 200 backing and preserving the entrepreneurial culture of the business positions Evidentia strongly for continued expansion.”
A Planned and Positive Transition
The Board emphasised that this transition is the outcome of a structured and considered succession process, designed to support Evidentia Group’s long-term growth strategy.
Evidentia Group remains focused on delivering exceptional outcomes for advisers, clients and shareholders, and this leadership evolution underscores the Group’s commitment to strong governance, continuity, momentum and market leadership.
Release Ends
For media enquiries, please contact:
Naomi Christopher
General Manager, Marketing and Communications – Evidentia Group
Email: naomi.christopher@evidentiagroup.com
Phone: 0421 856 260
About Evidentia Group
Evidentia Group is Australia’s leading Managed Account provider with $34.8Billion in funds under management as at 31 March 2026. Formed through the merger of Evidentia, Lonsec Investment Solutions, and Implemented Portfolios, Evidentia Group brings together three of the industry’s most trusted names in managed accounts to offer one of the most comprehensive suites of investment solutions in the country.
Evidentia Group combines institutional-grade investment expertise with a practical, adviser-first approach, empowering financial professionals to deliver personalised, engaging and scalable investment experiences to their clients.
Evidentia Group is owned by ASX listed Generation Development Group (ASX: GDG), which operates three distinct businesses (Evidentia Group, Lonsec Research & Ratings and Generation Life) each focusing strategically on their core value propositions.