Mark Smith-Lyons, is an experienced operations executive and consultant with over 20 years of industry experience leading operational transformation and business integration projects for traditional and multi-asset alternative asset managers. Mark specializes in the design and implementation of target operating models, governance frameworks and business transformation programmes that drive institutional resilience, operational efficiency, and strategic growth.

Most recently, Mark worked for New York Life Investments and MacKay Shields as Interim Chief Operating Officer (SMF17) for their UK and Irish subsidiaries, providing strategic and operational leadership across the establishment of new regional distribution hubs in the US and EMEA. Mark advised on operating model design, fund platform rationalization, third-party research agreements, and the development of a new US LP series structure. Mark also recently acted as Programme Director for Artemis Fund Managers through Sionic Financial Consulting Services, where he led a major US$ 10m transformation and outsourcing initiative to a leading global bank, providing executive advisory support to the Group COO and Executive Committee.

Mark also served as Chief Operating Officer, EMEA, and Director at Cohen & Steers, a global real assets manager with over US$ 100bn in AUM. During his seven-year tenure, Mark was responsible for full executive oversight of the EMEA business, integrating regional operations into the global group framework and supporting substantial regional growth. He led the design and implementation of Cohen & Steers’ Irish Super-Manco, managed all EMEA/APAC operational and trading functions, and delivered multiple regulatory change programmes including MiFID II, EMIR, SFDR and CP86.

Earlier in his career, Mark was Chief Operating Officer at Hermes BPK, a multi-asset fund solutions business, where he oversaw operations across London, New York and Singapore. He led the integration of Hermes’ first external acquisition under its multi-boutique model, onboarded new investment teams in New York and Singapore, and developed the operational infrastructure supporting global growth. Mark previously held senior operational roles with Crosby Forsyth, where he managed the post-acquisition integration of Forsyth Group into Crosby Capital, and with Invesco Perpetual, where he established the Operational Relationship Management function and delivered strategic change programmes across transfer agency operations.

Mark began his career as a Royal Naval Officer with the UK Ministry of Defence. He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honors) degree in History from University College, Ireland, and Diplomas in Leadership, Management, Engineering and Strategic Studies from Britannia Royal Naval College. Mark is PRINCE2 qualified.