BUILT ON UNDERSTANDING

Active listening and meeting people - both employees and clients - where they are is at the heart of how Lidia Tomova is leading the next phase of DWS Australia. Angelique Minas writes.

- Angelique Minas

Born in Bulgaria into a family of academics with deep roots in the fields of economics and social studies, Lidia Tomova recalls conversations around the dinner table that likely differed from those most kids her age experienced.

It was at the dining table that Tomova's interest in the world of finance was sparked and, when her family uprooted and moved to the UK, those dinner time debates served as the "rail tracks" that led her to the London School of Economics.

Choosing to study economics and economic history at first, Tomova also completed a masters in managing and regulating risk, saying she was also encouraged by her many peers exploring these areas and, from an employment perspective, "what was available at the time".

Young, freshly graduated and eager to prove herself, Tomova found immediate appeal in the financial services industry. A promising student, she was quickly selected for a summer internship at Deutsche Bank and later completed its coveted graduate program. She would go on to work in the UK Insurance and Pensions Group and later the Private Institutional Client Group.

After relocating to Australia, Tomova jumped over to Deutsche's asset management business, becoming director of alternatives distribution and solutions before being promoted to also take on the role of co-head of the global client group for Australia and New Zealand.

When Deutsche decided to rebrand the business to DWS in early 2018, Tomova became head of coverage, Australia and New Zealand - but it was when Chris Robinson stepped down as chief executive of the local business that Tomova's loyalty was truly rewarded.

Taking over the helm, Tomova has worked hard to grow the group's presence in the alternatives market, always looking for opportunities, particularly in direct real estate and real estate securities.