Calastone, the global funds transaction network, today announced the appointment of Jon Willis as Chief Commercial Officer starting 1st October 2014.
Reporting to the CEO, Julien Hammerson, this senior management role is reflective of Calastone's continued growth and the need for a highly-experienced industry professional to focus on client relationship management, product development and sales.
Jon joins Calastone from his previous role as BNY Mellon's Head of Transfer Agency for EMEA and APAC. Prior to joining BNY Mellon in 2010, Jon was Chief Administration Officer at IFDS, State Street's Transfer Agency organisation, a position he held for 13 years.
Jon currently chairs the TA Forum, the UK industry body for Transfer Agents and Platforms, and sits on the Board of TEX the industry re-registration group.
Commenting on Jon's appointment, Julien Hammerson, CEO said, "We are delighted that Jon has joined the senior management team. Throughout our continued growth, which is only set to continue as ever-more industry participants connect to our transaction network, we have never forgotten our commitment to working with the industry and for the industry. Our focus is to help firms respond to industry and regulatory changes; help them take advantage of the opportunities of scale in order to grow; and to continue to innovate and address some of the functional inefficiencies which exist today.
Since launching Calastone we have enabled the industry to reduce the cost of electronic transactions by an impressive 60%. As such an important part of the fund industry infrastructure, Calastone is committed not only to innovating and introducing new products, but also representing the interests of the industry. Through active industry and regulatory engagement we seek to help firms meet the demands placed on them for greater transparency, efficiencies and investment performance. Jon's industry experience and insights will be invaluable in helping us help our ever-expanding community."
Jon Willis, added, "From my very first encounter with Calastone when it was launched, I have been a stea steadfast supporter of its efforts to help the fund industry reduce its costs and risks, and reap the benefits of interoperable automated processing. These are exciting times for the fund industry and for Calastone, and I'm delighted to play my part."