Dr Manny Pohl: An Investment Expert With Over 30 Years of Experience

Background and Expertise

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.

Education

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. 

Career

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.