About Hiran
Hiran Wanigasekera, Executive Director, Co-Head of APAC Diversified Credit, recently celebrated 18 years at IFM. Joining in 2007 as ‘employee number 67’, Hiran recalls how IFM was much smaller. So small that it occupied only one floor in Casselden Place in Melbourne, a tiny office in London, and had plans to expand to New York.
“Since then, it’s fair to say I’ve seen significant global growth, as well as three CEOs and three brand evolutions!”
Speaking of his career highlights, Hiran reflects:
“Before IFM, I worked at a regional bank managing Treasury, gaining exposure to Trading, regulatory reporting, and Merger and Acquisitions (M&A). At IFM, I started in the Operations team as a Fund Accountant, then moved into Debt Investments during the Global Financial Crisis - a period of intense learning, but a very exciting time in the markets with huge volatility. All the credit trading made me quite interested in credit strategies, so I later became an Analyst in Diversified Credit, then helped establish our Infrastructure Debt capability in London in 2012”.
“I came back to Australia in 2016 and spent the next 12-months working with the Global Client Solutions team to launch fundraising in South Korea. I was basically travelling between Melbourne and Seoul that year every few weeks! Eventually a role became available as Portfolio Manager in Diversified Credit in early 2017. I have been managing the DC team and our expansion activities since alongside Lillian Nunez, and the recently retired Bruce Potts.”
When asked, ‘Why IFM?’, Hiran’s response comes back to the resounding theme of our people and our purpose.
“I chose IFM over a global consulting firm because I wanted to focus on investing with a rewarding purpose, for the long-term retirement savings of working people. Back then, IFM was relatively unknown outside industry funds, but the opportunity - and the people - won me over.”
“IFM has offered incredible learning and career growth. In my 18 years being here, our Leaders have trusted me to take on new challenges, be creative, and implement ideas. It’s suited my personality and approach well too. I like developing new ideas, building them, and making them a sustainable success. This culture of nurturing talent has been key to IFM’s success. Our inclusive culture, positive mindset, and leaders’ willingness to trust and empower talent set us apart - even as we’ve grown globally.”
Discussing IFM’s expansion, Hiran explains what excites him:
“IFM’s growth has been remarkable, and the runway ahead is huge. Growth creates opportunities for employees and helps attract top talent. My career has always been growth-oriented - introducing Debt in 2007, Global Infra Debt expansion, Korean market entry, and developing new Credit strategies. Emphasis needs to be put on Asia too, as I believe it is the next frontier. With it’s economic fundamentals and under-investment, we are now well and truly amid building a Singapore hub for Diversified Credit, starting with a small team and expanding over time. It’s an incredibly exciting time to Co-Head this region.”
Outside of work, Hiran enjoys travelling, following various sports, and spending time with his family.
“Family is my absolute priority. Me, my wife and two daughters, Everly (6) and Mackenzie (20 months) love to travel and are always look forward to long holidays to warm and sunny places. I’ve visited 48 countries, with Jordan, Turkey, and Seville among my favourites. My youngest, Mackie, has already done two – and counting!”
“I’m also a big Lakers fan. I follow footy, specifically the Blues, F1, and cricket, when it’s competitive. I also enjoy movies, especially sci-fi, and history podcasts like The Rest is History. My family keep my very busy, so it’s my way of winding down - when I get the chance!”