Orbis Investments appoints Investment Specialist
MELBOURNE: Orbis Investments, the contrarian global equity manager with A$62billion assets under management, has announced the appointment of Werner (Vern) du Preez as Investment Specialist within its Australian client team, effective 1st January 2025.
Based in Melbourne, du Preez will oversee Orbis’ relationships with research houses and support the firm’s focus on the retail channel and fund suite in Australia.
Du Preez joins Orbis from sister company, Allan Gray Australia, where he served as Business Development Manager working with financial advisers and wealth management professionals across Victoria, Tasmania, and South Australia. He began his career with the Allan Gray Group in South Africa in 2008 where he held product development, client relationship and investment specialist roles, before relocating to Australia in 2019.
Reflecting on his appointment, du Preez said: “The Orbis and Allan Gray philosophy is grounded in contrarian, long-term investing, and a commitment to uncovering the intrinsic value of companies. We are proud to have delivered value for clients by adhering to this philosophy, not following the herd, and staying disciplined in volatile markets. As we commence 2025, I am excited to join Orbis and help our clients navigate the rapidly changing investment environment to maximise long-term returns.”
Jason Ciccolallo, Managing Director and Head of Clients at Orbis Investments, said, “Vern brings over 17 years of experience in fundamental, long-term, contrarian investing gained across diverse markets through his tenure at Allan Gray and Orbis. We are delighted to welcome him to the Orbis team.”
Du Preez holds a Master’s in Money and Banking and a Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning.