George Chirakis: From Law to Investment Leadership
George Chirakis has built a distinguished career in law, investment management, and executive leadership. Known for his strategic vision and ability to transform organizations, he is now a Partner at Scarcity Partners, bringing decades of expertise across asset management, marketing, and corporate governance. His journey reflects resilience, adaptability, and a sharp focus on growth, which has made him a recognized figure in the Australian financial services landscape.
Early Education and Academic Foundation
University of Adelaide
George Chirakis began his academic journey at the University of Adelaide, where he pursued a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting, Economics, and Finance between 1996 and 1998. This program gave him a strong analytical and financial foundation, critical for his later work in both law and investment management.
He later advanced to a Bachelor of Law (Honours) at Adelaide University (1997–2000). With a dual background in commerce and law, Chirakis was uniquely equipped to bridge the gap between financial structuring and legal frameworks—an advantage that guided his early career choices.
MBA at AGSM, UNSW Business School
Determined to refine his leadership skills, George Chirakis enrolled at the Australian Graduate School of Management (AGSM), UNSW Business School. Completing his Executive MBA with Distinction in 2019, he honed his knowledge in corporate strategy, governance, and global finance. This academic milestone marked his transition into senior executive roles.
Legal Career Foundations
Before entering investment management, George Chirakis worked as a solicitor specializing in taxation and corporate law.
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Kelly & Co (2001–2005): He served as an Associate in Taxation Law, advising corporations and high-net-worth clients on complex commercial transactions and restructures.
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Fulbright & Jaworski LLP, London (2005): As a Corporate Solicitor, he worked on international cross-border transactions, providing exposure to global markets and multinational legal challenges.
This early legal experience gave him a sophisticated understanding of regulation, compliance, and governance—skills that later informed his investment roles.
Fidelity International: Corporate Governance and Investment Strategy
After law, George Chirakis transitioned into financial services with Fidelity International, based in London.
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Corporate Governance Analyst (2005–2008): He represented Fidelity’s position as an institutional shareholder, focusing on mergers, acquisitions, board independence, capital raisings, and executive remuneration.
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Senior Manager, Investment Management Initiatives (2008–2010): In this role, he drove product development across asset classes including equity, fixed interest, and multi-asset. He coordinated with CIOs and portfolio managers, preparing pilot funds and board reports for global distribution.
At Fidelity, Chirakis mastered the link between investment strategy and governance, ensuring ethical, compliant, and profitable fund management.
AMP Capital: Leadership in Wealth and Marketing
Returning to Australia, George Chirakis joined AMP Capital in 2010, where he spent more than eight years shaping the organization’s wealth and retail strategy.
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International Product Development (2010–2012): He managed product and mandate development for international channels, including Japan retail and institutional markets.
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Retail Operations Manager (2012–2014): Oversaw operational efficiency, streamlining distribution processes.
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Head of Retail Strategic Marketing (2014): Directed brand and product marketing strategy for AMP Capital’s retail division.
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Head of Global Channel Marketing (2014–2016): Developed international marketing campaigns to attract global institutional investors.
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Head of Marketing & Customer Officer (2016–2017): Bridged client engagement with product growth.
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Head of SMSF & Self-Directed Wealth (2017–2019): Managed Australia’s Self-Managed Super Funds (SMSFs) and private client business, a fast-growing sector in wealth management.
These roles highlighted his ability to grow client relationships, expand distribution, and build products that fit evolving investor needs.
Ophir Asset Management: Executive Leadership
In 2019, George Chirakis joined Ophir Asset Management, a specialist equities manager.
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Investment Director (Feb–Aug 2019): Oversaw investment products and fund strategies.
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Chief Executive Officer (2019–2024): As CEO, he guided Ophir through a period of strong growth. His leadership was pivotal in launching new funds, strengthening client relationships, and scaling operations.
During nearly six years at Ophir, Chirakis earned a reputation for driving performance while ensuring client trust remained central. His tenure marked a turning point, positioning Ophir as a competitive boutique fund manager in Australia.
Career Break and Renewal
In late 2024, after nearly six demanding years at Ophir, Chirakis took a career break lasting three months. This period of travel and reflection allowed him to recharge before beginning his next professional chapter. Strategic pauses such as this often give executives fresh perspective and renewed energy to tackle new challenges, and Chirakis exemplified that mindset.
Scarcity Partners: A New Chapter
In January 2025, George Chirakis was appointed Partner at Scarcity Partners, a private equity firm specializing in GP-staking. The firm focuses on supporting high-quality investment managers by providing growth capital and operational expertise.
As Partner, Chirakis leads capital-raising initiatives and assists portfolio companies in scaling efficiently. Drawing from his diverse background in law, governance, marketing, and executive leadership, he brings a unique combination of skills to the private equity sector.
His appointment demonstrates Scarcity Partners’ commitment to strengthening relationships with institutional investors and expanding its footprint in Australia and beyond.
Leadership Style and Professional Legacy
Strategic Vision
Chirakis’ career reflects a consistent ability to combine strategic foresight with operational excellence. Whether managing legal complexities, governance at Fidelity, or CEO responsibilities at Ophir, he has shown an ability to align organizational goals with long-term market trends.
Adaptability
Few professionals transition seamlessly from law to finance and then to executive leadership. Chirakis’ journey illustrates adaptability, continuous learning, and the courage to embrace new sectors.
Client and Investor Focus
Across all roles, a central theme has been trust—ensuring investors, clients, and partners feel secure in their relationship with the organizations he has led.
Conclusion
George Chirakis’ professional journey is a story of transformation and resilience. From his early years as a tax lawyer to his global experience at Fidelity, leadership roles at AMP Capital, and his tenure as CEO of Ophir, he has consistently demonstrated an ability to lead, innovate, and scale organizations.
Today, as a Partner at Scarcity Partners, he stands at the intersection of governance, investment strategy, and growth capital. His path reflects not only personal ambition but also a broader narrative of how financial leaders must adapt to changing markets while maintaining integrity and investor trust.
With an impressive academic foundation, international experience, and proven leadership across multiple sectors, George Chirakis continues to be a figure to watch in the investment management industry.
