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The alternative asset manager has announced two strategic appointments, with more expected to follow in the coming weeks.
La Trobe Financial has announced the appointment of two senior executives to its leadership team, as part of a broader initiative aimed at “deepening its executive capability”.
In an announcement released last Thursday (24 April 2025), the alternative asset manager confirmed the appointments of David Tagg as head of investment and Catherine Donatiello as head of product support, two newly created roles.
The new executives, who have both worked at La Trobe Financial for “several months”, boast extensive experience in financial services.
Tagg previously held several leadership roles at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), including head of wholesale investments and chief investment officer, while Donatiello most recently worked as the associate director of product and projects at Macquarie Bank.
La Trobe Financial – which manages more than $20 billion in assets under management (AUM) – also said it has plans to announce several additional appointments in the coming weeks to support its expanding product suite.
Chris Paton, La Trobe Financial CEO, said the alternative asset manager was pleased with the new appointments and noted their track record of “delivering results at the highest level”.
“We are delighted to have David and Catherine join our team,” Paton said.
“They add to the scale and experience of our already highly respected executive group and position us strongly for the next phase of our growth.”
Focus on experience
These new appointments come after Cory Bannister, La Trobe Financial senior vice-president and chief lending officer, celebrated 25 years at the alternative asset manager earlier this year.
Speaking to The Adviser, Bannister reflected on the “incredible growth trajectory” the business has followed in the past decade.
“To work in a fast-moving, agile environment is both fun and rewarding, and in a way, it feels like I have been working in a new business every two to three years, such is the rate of change,” he said.
“The most satisfying achievement has been to grow with the company, seeing it go from being a relatively unknown niche non-bank financial institution here in Australia, to a brand that is now well-known and respected on a global scale as one of Australia’s leading alternative asset managers.
“Playing a small part in that transformation is something that I will look back on fondly at the end of my career, which I hope is still a long time away.”
[Related: Cory Bannister celebrates 25 years at La Trobe Financial]
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