Kerr Neilson
Kerr Neilson is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of Australia’s funds management industry. He is the Co-Founder and former CEO and Chairman of Platinum Asset Management, one of the first Australian investment firms to specialize in global equities. With more than 40 years of experience in financial markets spanning both broking and funds management, Neilson built a reputation as a value-driven, contrarian investor whose distinctive stock-picking approach has drawn comparisons to Warren Buffett. He stepped down as Chief Executive of Platinum in 2018 and later resigned from the board in November 2022, marking the end of an era in the firm’s leadership.
Kerr Neilson Professional Experience / Academic History
Professional Experience
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Co-Founder and Managing Director
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Executive Vice President
Academic History
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B.S., Commerce
Kerr Neilson founded Platinum Asset Management in 1994 after a distinguished career managing money at Bankers Trust.
He led the firm as Managing Director, Executive Director, and Chief Investment Officer, taking it public in 2007 and retiring as Chief Executive in 2018.
Despite stepping down, Neilson continues to hold 126 million shares in the company, valued at approximately $234 million, maintaining a significant stake in the firm’s success.
EARLY CAREER
Neilson began his finance career managing the Research Department for a stockbroker in South Africa.
After relocating to Australia, he joined Bankers Trust, where he played a key role in developing the company’s retail funds management division.
Under his leadership, Bankers Trust’s retail business became a major growth engine, managing assets on a global scale.
ART & PHILANTHROPY
Beyond finance, Neilson is a passionate art collector. Together with his wife, Judith Neilson, he co-founded the White Rabbit Art Gallery in Sydney, which houses an extensive collection of contemporary Chinese art created after 2000, making a significant cultural impact in Australia and internationally.
RECOGNITIONS