NZ investment industry legend, Brian Gaynor, has died after a short illness.
Gaynor co-founded NZ’s most successful investment boutique, Milford Asset Management, in 2003 following a long career in the industry that included a stint as partner and head of Jarden & Co. Milford now has more than $16 billion under management.
He also served on the boards of many listed and public owned entities, including the Guardians of the New Zealand Superannuation Fund (NZS).
In fact, Gaynor was a foundation member of the NZS board, helping establish its initial operations and the selection of inaugural CEO, Paul Costello.
A prolific contributor to various media channels, he was well-known to both the broader public and the local financial industry for his insightful and hard-hitting views.
After many years writing regular columns for the NZ Herald, Gaynor took a large stake in the-then media wire-service BusinessDesk in 2019 with plans to reboot the brand as a full-blown business-focused publication.
Just over two years since he bought into the firm, BusinessDesk was sold to NZME – the parent company of the NZ Herald – for about $5 million.
NZX chair, James Miller, said in statement that Gaynor “would be one of most influential people in the 150-year history of New Zealand’s capital markets and the NZX”.
“He had an amazing career from equity analyst to entrepreneurial fund manager, while also being a leading business commentator,” Miller said.
“Brian was a highly visible leader with a first-class intellect who was passionate about capital markets and the role they played in the wider economy. We both shared a deep passion for the success of the New Zealand capital markets. His contribution will be sadly missed.”
Milford also issued a short statement today, acclaiming Gaynor for his “values, commitment and skill he applied to the firm and our people were instrumental in creating the organisation we have today”.
“His dedication and determination to providing New Zealanders with good financial education and information, investment funds and advice has endured, and will be part of his legacy for the company’s over 170 staff and over 80,000 clients across New Zealand and Australia.
Brian was a driving force of both our organisation and our industry, and we will remember him as a leader, a mentor and a friend…
“… Our deepest sympathies go out to Brian’s family at this very sad time.”
Gaynor leaves behind his wife, Anna, and son, Peter.