Fortis's Edith Ngan leaves industry for Asia Society

Edith Ngan Chan has stepped down as managing director for Asian operations at Fortis Prime Fund Solutions.

After a career in the Asian funds industry, with roles at Invesco, Principal Global Investors and ABN Amro, she is changing tack as the new executive director of the non-profit Asia Society Center, effective September 1.

Ngan enjoys a high profile in the investments business, not just for her 20 years of working experience, but for her industry leadership. She has served as chairman of the Hong Kong Investment Funds Association, as a member of the unit trusts committee at the Securities and Futures Commission, and a number of other government- and charity-related trusteeships.

She joined Fortis Prime in 2008 with a remit to run the alternative fund administrator's offices in Hong Kong, Tokyo and Singapore.

Alice Au, partner at recruitment firm Heidrick & Struggles, was credited by the Asia Society for placing Ngan. The Asia Society is a New York-based organisation dedicated to trans-Pacific exchanges related to politics, business and culture. Hong Kong was its first fully fledged international chapter, and it has been active in the community here for many years.

Ronnie Chan, chairman of Hang Lung Group, is the Asia Society Hong Kong Center's chairman. It is run by Vishakha Desai, president, a scholar of Asian art.

Calls to Fortis Prime executives regarding succession plans were not returned by press time.