About Smallco

Rob Hopkins, Managing Director (24 years investment experience)

Rob jointly founded Smallco in 2000 and currently spends his time focused on smaller companies listed on the Australian Stock Exchange.

Prior to Smallco Rob had been specialising in small companies since 1994 and was the head of small company research at Macquarie Equities, BT Alex Brown, ANZ Securities and Macintosh.

With a continuous career in the Australian investment industry since 1985 Rob was a Senior Industrial Analyst at Potts West Trumbull & Company, the General Manager for Australian Equities with Chase Corporation and an analyst with Potter Partners.

Rob began his working life as a civil engineer, principally in construction and project management. This included five years in Saudi Arabia where Rob also completed an MBA through the University of Oklahoma, USA.

Bill Ryan, Executive Director (13 years investment experience)

After first working together at ANZ Securities in 1996 within the small company research team, 2009 marks the 13 year working anniversary for Bill and Rob.

In 2000 Bill Jointly founded Smallco and currently spends his time focused on smaller companies listed on the Australian Stock Exchange.

Bill was awarded the University Medal for Academic Achievement from the University of Western Sydney in 1995 after completing his Bachelor of Commerce with Distinction.

Bill began his working life in the early 1980s owning, developing and managing agricultural businesses which involved understanding asset valuations, working capital management and general accounting.

Whilst not the 'traditional' background of an investment manager it has proven to be a key advantage in his career as a small company analyst.

Andrew Hokin, Senior Fund Manager (15 years investment experience)

Andrew joined Smallco in July 2007 from Macquarie Bank where he was a Division Director and led the Banking sector research for Macquarie Securities.

During more than 8 years with Macquarie Andrew was responsible for coverage of a range of sectors including small companies, diversified financials and developers, prior to moving into the Banking sector. During this time Andrew built a professional relationship with Rob and Bill, including working with Rob in Macquarie's smaller companies team in 1999.

Prior to Macquarie Andrew spent 5 years at Adelaide stockbroker Day Cutten where he gained research experience across a range of businesses, in particular utilities and property trusts. Andrew's career started in 1992 at William M Mercer where he worked as an Actuarial Analyst for 2½ years.

Craig Miller, Business Manger (4 years of investment experience)

Craig divides his time at Smallco between researching smaller companies and business management. As the "face" of Smallco he is available during business hours to discuss any relevant issues or to provide ongoing SIF updates.

Prior to joining Smallco in June 2005 Craig was the head of the Tax division for GE Commercial for 3 years.

Craig is a chartered accountant and spent 7 years with Ernst & Young in the Taxation, Audit and Business Services divisions prior to GE.

Leading a relatively active life Craig also played water polo for Australia for a period of 13 years which included the Sydney and Athens Olympic Games.