Dr Emmanuel (Manny) Pohl is an Australian businessman, investment manager, and philanthropist. Since immigrating to Australia in 1994, Manny has not only established himself as a strong leader for our company but also as a prominent figure in Australia’s investment market. Now, as he celebrates his 30th year in Australia, we’re taking a look back on his career so far to honour the hard work that led to his success today.
Dr Pohl’s vast expertise and steadfast leadership have contributed to the success and recognition of EC Pohl & Co as a highly acclaimed Australian fund manager. However, his interest and experience in the financial industry first began in South Africa, long before he called Australia home.
Born and raised in South Africa, Manny began his higher education at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) in Johannesburg, where he studied a BSC in engineering and graduated with honours in 1975. Manny then continued his education at Wits by completing an MBA in statistics and finance, which he received just a couple of years later in 1977.
After finishing his MBA at Wits, he then went on to study at North-West University in Potchefstroom. It was here that he officially became Dr Manny Pohl after achieving a doctorate in Business Administration (Economics), which was awarded to him in 1985.
After his time at university, Dr Pohl utilised his knowledge to build his career in the financial industry. In 1989, he became the head of research at South Africa’s preeminent stockbroking firm, Davis Borkum Hare, where he continued working until he moved to Australia five years later.
Shortly after arriving in Australia, Manny settled on the Gold Coast with his family and started work as an investment manager at Westpac, managing private portfolios for high-net-worth individuals. He left his role at Westpac in 1995 to begin a new endeavour as Managing Director of WHTM Asset Management.
A year later, in 1996, Manny rebranded WHTM Asset Management and founded what would be his first funds management company, Hyperion Asset Management. With Manny as the CEO, Managing Director, and Chairman of the Investment Committee, Hyperion Asset Management eventually grew to have more than $3.2 billion in assets under management.
Manny remained at the helm of Hyperion for over 16 years before making the tough decision to step down and leave the company in pursuit of a new business venture. Shortly after leaving Hyperion Asset Management in 2012, Manny established funds management firms EC Pohl & Co and ECP Asset Management and has remained Chairman and CIO of both companies ever since.
In 2019, Manny also became the Managing Director and Fund Manager of Athelney Trust, a UK investment company listed on the London Stock Exchange. He also holds Directorships at a range of other top financial institutions, including the Listed Investment Company (LIC) Flagship Investments Limited.
With his extensive experience in the financial industry, Manny has established himself as a prominent figure in the investment market. He is highly regarded for his entrepreneurial vision, leadership, and financial expertise and has received recognition from numerous public figures and institutions over the years.
Manny considers his biggest professional achievement and top career highlight to be appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia in 2019. Appointments to the Order of Australia are considered to be the highest recognition in the Australian honours system and are presented to individuals for outstanding achievement and service.
Manny was presented this award for his “significant service to the finance sector and to the community” and was acknowledged in the 2019 Queen’s Birthday Honours List for his achievements. He stated that receiving this award was “a really wonderful moment” for him, and while he never expected such an honour, he also described it as “an amazing accolade”.
Over the years, Dr Pohl’s effective investment strategies and business success have been acknowledged by various top financial publications, including The Australian Financial Review, Forbes Australia, The Financial Standard, and more. He was also recognised by the Gold Coast Bulletin as one of the city’s most influential people in both 2014 and 2015.
On top of this, both Manny and the companies under his leadership have been awarded several industry awards throughout his time in the industry. These industry awards include:
As well as his esteemed reputation in the investment sector, Dr Pohl is also known for his philanthropic endeavours. His continued business success has only strengthened his commitment to give back to the community in which he has thrived. This has led him to support a range of different causes over the years through his own charitable organisation, the Pohl Foundation.
Manny founded the Pohl Foundation in 2014 as a way for EC Pohl & Co to use its success to make a meaningful difference through many small acts of kindness. The Pohl Foundation is committed to helping a range of charitable organisations and community spaces in the arts, environment, and health sectors and provides financial support to the following causes:
Manny’s professional journey over the past 30 years is, at its core, a prime example of the very philosophy that EC Pohl & Co was founded on. As a family business, we are committed to growing the idea of a family legacy, helping our clients build their wealth so they can leave something to their children.
Our philosophy is built on the belief that creating this kind of wealth is a long-term endeavour — a belief Manny has undoubtedly applied to every one of his business ventures. By investing his time and effort into several strong companies over the past 30 years, Manny has achieved the same family legacy and financial success we strive to achieve for our customers. In doing so, he has become a success story not only for his family, but for each and every one of EC Pohl & Co’s clients, as well.
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