German asset manager DWS, previously part of Deutsche Bank, replaces current DWS Australia CEO.

DWS has appointed Lidia Tomova (pictured) as its chief executive officer in Australia, starting in March 2024, pending regulatory approval. 

Tomova will also be appointed as chairperson of DWS Investments Australia Limited (DIAL). Additionally, she will continue in her role as head of coverage, Australia & New Zealand. Tomova reports to Vanessa Wang, head of APAC and head of coverage, APAC, the firm said in a statement.

This senior appointment follows Tomova's tenure of 20 years with DWS and Deutsche Bank in Australia and the UK, the firm continued. She is succeeding Chris Robinson, CEO of DWS Australia, who will continue to lead the liquid real assets business in the Asia Pacific region as head of real estate securities, APAC. The bank acknowledged Robinson's "key role in establishing and building our network and client reach in Australia over the past years.”

Tomova will be responsible for shaping the growth strategy of DWS Australia to enhance the brand’s presence. Using her knowledge of both the global franchise and the local market, Tomova will play a key role in fostering connections between the Australian team and the DWS global network. “Australia is a mature investment market and continues to play a defining role in shaping and driving pension investments,” Tomova said.

She began her career with Deutsche Bank’s global markets division in London, mainly in client-facing sales roles.

German-headquartered DWS, which has €896 billion ($954 billion) of assets under management, has locations in Europe, the Americas and Asia.