NZ Beyond Funds - The Economics of Owning Asset Managers Dinner

George Chirakis

Partner, Scarcity Partners

George is a Partner at Scarcity Partners. He joined the firm in January 2025 and is responsible for driving capital partnerships, supporting portfolio company growth and advancing Scarcity’s strategic initiatives across private markets.

Prior to joining Scarcity Partners, George was Chief Executive Officer of Ophir Asset Management from 2019, where he led the firm’s expansion across retail and institutional markets, strengthened investment distribution, and oversaw significant growth in funds under management.

Before Ophir, George held senior roles at AMP Capital including leading the Self-Managed Super Fund and private client businesses and heading global channel marketing. He also spent time at Fidelity International in London across a range of product and governance focussed roles.

George commenced his career as a commercial and taxation lawyer after completing a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) at the University of Adelaide. He also holds an MBA (with Distinction) from the Australian Graduate School of Management at UNSW.

Alex Ihlenfeldt

Founding Partner, Scarcity Partners

Alex began his career as a Chartered Accountant and went on to hold senior positions in a number of businesses. Over the course of the past 30 years Alex has served as COO and CFO in Consulting, Stockbroking, and Investment Management businesses.

Alex was intimately involved in the establishment and growth of Pinnacle Investment Management Group Limited (ASX:PNI) at a board and operational level, accountable for the operationalisation of Pinnacle and all its lift outs.

Alex has established and operated investment management business and fund structures globally across various strategies, working intimately with founders to deliver operational credibility and growth.

Alex has served on fund management Boards, listed investment companies and both Cayman and UCITS investment entities.

Alex has a Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) and is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australian and New Zealand as well as a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors

George Chirakis

Partner, Scarcity Partners

George is a Partner at Scarcity Partners. He joined the firm in January 2025 and is responsible for driving capital partnerships, supporting portfolio company growth and advancing Scarcity’s strategic initiatives across private markets.

Prior to joining Scarcity Partners, George was Chief Executive Officer of Ophir Asset Management from 2019, where he led the firm’s expansion across retail and institutional markets, strengthened investment distribution, and oversaw significant growth in funds under management.

Before Ophir, George held senior roles at AMP Capital including leading the Self-Managed Super Fund and private client businesses and heading global channel marketing. He also spent time at Fidelity International in London across a range of product and governance focussed roles.

George commenced his career as a commercial and taxation lawyer after completing a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) at the University of Adelaide. He also holds an MBA (with Distinction) from the Australian Graduate School of Management at UNSW.

Alex Ihlenfeldt

Founding Partner, Scarcity Partners

Alex began his career as a Chartered Accountant and went on to hold senior positions in a number of businesses. Over the course of the past 30 years Alex has served as COO and CFO in Consulting, Stockbroking, and Investment Management businesses.

Alex was intimately involved in the establishment and growth of Pinnacle Investment Management Group Limited (ASX:PNI) at a board and operational level, accountable for the operationalisation of Pinnacle and all its lift outs.

Alex has established and operated investment management business and fund structures globally across various strategies, working intimately with founders to deliver operational credibility and growth.

Alex has served on fund management Boards, listed investment companies and both Cayman and UCITS investment entities.

Alex has a Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) and is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australian and New Zealand as well as a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors