Can you tell us about yourself and your background?
I’m a Director of Distribution, responsible for growing Pallas Capital’s investor base with wealth managers, high net worth individuals and family offices.
I am currently admitted as a solicitor to the Supreme Court of NSW and hold a Bachelor of Laws, as well as a Bachelor and Master of Commerce (double major – Finance and Accounting) with Honours.
I began my career as a financial research associate at JP Morgan. I subsequently practised as a solicitor in the mergers and acquisition group at Clayton Utz, predominately specialising in property and funds management, following my clerkship at Allens Arthur Robinson.
I have also graduated from the Australian Institute of Company Directors and act a director on various boards, including being a Co-Founder and Director of Aitken Investment Management, a global equity fund.
What does a typical workday look like for you at Pallas Capital?
Given we’re currently in lockdown, it’s not a ‘typical’ work day as I might normally have in the office. I start my day reading the news online then exercising. I get the kids sorted with their home schooling and then around 8:45am I sit down at my computer.
I’ll go through my emails and start organising calls with investors and potential investors to discuss Pallas Capital’s products and offerings. The remainder is spent attending meetings (mostly over Zoom and Teams) with investors and the Pallas Capital Distribution team.
At the end of the day, I take the kids and our Labrador out to the local park.
What has been your highlight at Pallas Capital so far?
The time I’ve spent a Pallas Capital so far hasn’t been usual, given Sydney has been in lockdown for the vast bulk of it.
However, I’ve felt warmly welcomed by the team, for which I’m very appreciative.
I look forward to spending more time face-to-face time with everyone post-lockdown.
In particular, I appreciate the time that Mark Spring and Craig Bannister have given me, as Pallas Capital principals, to meet with potential new investors.
What are your personal goals for 2021 outside of Pallas Capital?
I’ve been enjoying spending lots of time with my children, one of the few upsides of this lockdown experience in Sydney.
I’m also looking forward to contributing further to the organisations for which I am a board director, including my new role at Soldier On Australia, an organisation that works with and assists veterans.
If you would like to speak to Ellie email her at ellie.aitken@pallascapital.com.au
