Muller takes on MD role at Alexforbes Investments Namibia

Taking up a senior role in the investment industry, Alexforbes Investments’ newly appointed managing director, Frederick Muller, says the industry is dynamic, making his job exciting and interesting.

Muller, who matriculated at Windhoek High School, obtained a B.Com. (mathematics) degree at Stellenbosch University, majoring in statistics, actuarial science, and economics. For his postgraduate degree, he obtained the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation from the CFA Institute. Thereafter, he obtained the postgraduate diploma in financial planning from the University of the Free State and was awarded the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation.

Prior to his new role as managing director, Muller served as a strategic development consultant for Alexforbes Investments Namibia. In this capacity, he provided investment-related services to clients and played a key role in the development of new corporate and retail investment portfolio offerings. His professional background also includes positions in employee benefits and asset consulting. Muller joined Alexforbes Group in 2003 and was based in the Stellenbosch office. With over two decades of experience in investment management and retirement benefits, both in South Africa and the UK, he brings a critical blend of expertise and understanding to this leadership position.

New office

In his new role as MD, Muller is responsible for many managerial tasks. He will manage a team of investment professionals, manage strategic initiatives within the business with the aim of building out the investment business in Namibia, and manage the strategic relationships of Alexforbes Investments Namibia.

To effectively uphold his responsibilities, he has adopted a combination of collaborative and delegative management styles.

“I like to get team members’ input and views on matters since they have different perspectives and bring new ideas to the table. I also believe employees should have a level of autonomy and control over their own work, as this typically increases their creativity, motivation and job satisfaction,” he said.

Muller says his main short-term goal is to create greater awareness of the advantages of Alexforbes Investments’ multi-manager products. Other short-term goals are to provide existing clients with best-in-class services, introducing new innovative investment products, and fostering creativity in investment strategies and products. He is also focused on strengthening his team. “I would like to focus on the training of the investment professionals in my team, be a mentor to them, and also act as a soundboard to them."

Motivated

While fulfilling his role at Alexforbes Investments, he finds great satisfaction in delivering excellent financial outcomes to clients and sharing in their journey. He believes that it’s important to strive to learn something new every day.

Muller acknowledges that challenges are an inherent part of any career but advises that the best way to overcome them involves planning ahead and making the most of each day to tackle them to the best of one’s ability.

“Most challenges are less daunting than they seem to be, so do not fear them,” he said.

Moreover, he believes that employees who have autonomy and control over their work from the outset tend to be more creative, highly motivated, and capable of delivering higher-quality results. To further improve the quality of work at Alexforbes Investments, he intends to introduce a peer review process for the team.

About Muller:

1. I love the outdoors, especially hiking.

2. I enjoy cycling, swimming and playing tennis.

3. I was born in Keetmanshoop.

4. I went to Eros Primary School.