Meet the Directors

Mel Firmin, BCom - Director

Mel Firmin, BCom

Director

Mel has over 25 years experience in financial services across a variety of roles and firms, culminating in the role of Managing Director for Devon Funds Management. He left Devon in December 2017 and is now a consultant and investor involved in a broad range of clients and industries.

Paul Glass, BBS (Hons)

Paul Glass, BBS (Hons)

Executive Chairman

Investment management is a life-long passion for Paul. After a long and successful career as a portfolio manager Paul established Devon Funds Management after acquiring Goldman Sachs JBW Asset Management (NZ) in March 2010. Devon has now grown to have one of the largest and most experienced Australasian equity teams in New Zealand, focused on constructing concentrated portfolios of handpicked securities for local clients.

As an investment industry stalwart his strong views on corporate governance have been widely reported in the media. Similarly he firmly believes that those in the investment industry must use their influence to ensure shareholders’ best interests are served by listed companies.

Over his 30 year career in investment management, Paul has held a number of senior positions including Portfolio Manager and co-founder of Brook Asset Management (with specific responsibility for the top performing Alpha Fund), Portfolio Manager at Bankers Trust New Zealand (best performing fund 1994 – 1998) and Junior Portfolio Manager at Lombard Odier in London.

Slade Robertson, BCom, CFA

Slade Robertson, BCom, CFA

Chairman and Portfolio Manager

Slade is the Chairman and a Portfolio Manager for Devon. He is responsible for stock selection and portfolio construction for Devon's Alpha fund. He also contributes to stock selection and portfolio construction for the Trans-Tasman strategy. Slade has over 25 years’ industry experience and before joining Devon was Portfolio Manager at Brook Funds Management, Head of Equities at BT Investment Management in New Zealand and Portfolio Manager at Challenger International (NZ).

June McCabe, MBA - Independent Director

June McCabe, MBA

Independent Director

June, who is a chartered member of the Institute of Directors and who holds an MBA, has more than 25 years’ experience in governance roles across the public, private and not-for-profit sectors.

After an extensive career in banking and finance, following many years in the public service, June has held a wide range of governance roles.

Current directorships include Avanti Finance (chair of Audit and Risk Committee); chair of Te Waka Pupuri Putea, Bell’s Produce, and ProCare Charitable Foundation; and director of Taitokerau Investment Fund; and board chairperson for TAHITO Limited.

Previous roles include founding chair of the New Zealand Leadership Institute; directorships of a number of large crown entities; founding director of the New Zealand Venture Investment Fund; and executive roles in Westpac New Zealand.

June has iwi affiliations with Ngāpuhi, Te Rarawa, Te Aupōuri, Ngati Kaharau and Ngāti Kahu.