Independent fund and corporate services provider, the Aztec Group, has appointed private equity specialist Dean Tower as Associate Director of its UK operations.
Based in Southampton, Tower will take on relationship management responsibilities for the delivery of fund services to a portfolio of UK-domiciled private equity funds. He will also play an integral role in both business development and strategic initiatives designed to grow and strengthen the Group’s onshore UK operations.
Formed in Jersey in 2001, the Aztec Group has had a presence in the UK since 2007, when it first opened an office in London. Three years later, in 2010, the Group established a full operational presence in Southampton in response to growing client demand for onshore fund, corporate and depositary services. Today, the Group employs more than 70 people in the UK and administers over EUR31.5 billion across 32 UK domiciled funds.
Born in South Africa, Tower’s experience in alternative investments is extensive. Beginning his career in audit for a major international accountancy network, he has gone on to assume in-house financial positions for major UK private equity and private debt managers. This includes roles at Park Square Capital and Lion Capital.
A qualified South African Chartered Accountant CA (SA), Tower also holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) degree and a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) Honours from the University of Kwazulu-Natal in South Africa.
Paul Harrison, Aztec Group’s Head of Private Equity – UK, says: “Dean has a wealth of expertise in the UK private equity market and brings a unique blend of skills and experience to the table. The UK remains a core focus for our business and attracting professionals of Dean’s pedigree is key to our continued success. We’re delighted to welcome him to the team.”
Tower adds: “I’m delighted to be joining the Aztec Group. They have really established themselves as a major player in the UK onshore market, providing alternative investment managers with a full suite of award-winning fund structuring and administration services on the ground in the UK, yet access to a network of over 650 professionals across six leading fund jurisdictions. It’s a fantastic proposition.”
