Ann Prendergast has been appointed as the new head of State Street Global Advisors’ business across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. She takes over from Rory Tobin, who retired in June after nine years at the asset manager.

With 23 years of experience at the company, Prendergast has a proven track record in portfolio management, distribution, product development, fund management, and operations across the EU. In her previous role, she was recognized as one of Financial News’s 100 most influential women in finance this year. With her new Emea role, State Street’s fund management business now has two women in top leadership positions.

Prendergast will report directly to State Street Global Advisors president and chief executive, Yie-Hsin Hung. She will lead a team of approximately 500 staff across Emea and continue to be based in State Street’s Dublin office.

Hung expressed confidence in Prendergast’s abilities, citing her deep industry knowledge, strong client orientation, regulatory experience, and leadership strengths. This new appointment comes as State Street Global Advisors continues to make strides in the asset management industry.