Germany’s Universal Investment names John Burns as new group CTO
Universal Investment Group, a Frankfurt-based investment services platform, has appointed industry veteran John Burns as its group CTO and newest executive board member, effective 1 June.
Universal Investment’s new group CTO John Burns (Image: LinkedIn)
In this newly-created role, Burns will be responsible for “all aspects of technology”, including the “strategic direction and enhancement” of the company’s IT platforms to “propel continued growth and client-driven solutions”.
Before joining Universal Investment, Burns served for over seven years as the global head of technology and operations at DWS Group, an investment firm also headquartered in Frankfurt.
Prior to this, Burns spent over 17 years at European asset manager Amundi, formerly Pioneer Investments, where he rose through the ranks to global CTO.
Founded in 1968, Universal Investment has developed a variety of investment solutions, including risk management services and tailored structuring offers, and claims to administer over €1 trillion in assets.
Francesca McDonagh, the group’s recently hired CEO, comments: “With John on board, we are well-positioned to drive technological innovation and scale as we continue to pursue sustainable growth for both our company and our valued clients.”
