Gordon Brothers has expanded its footprint to Australia. Based in Sydney, the new office will be led by seasoned restructuring and turnaround management professional Tim Stewart, who will serve as managing director, Australia.

Prior to joining Gordon Brothers, Stewart was managing director and head of the Royal Bank of Scotland’s restructuring team in the Asia Pacific region. He was responsible for managing distressed and underperforming assets across India, Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, China, Malaysia and Australia and led financial and operational restructures, debt for equity swaps and turnarounds.

Stewart held a number of other roles and responsibilities during his time at RBS, including managing director of the strategic disposals group, chief risk officer of the RBS Australia Branch and head of structured asset finance, Australia. Stewart is the current chairman of the Turnaround Management Association in Australia and the immediate past president.

“We at Gordon Brothers see tremendous opportunity in the Australian market,” said Frank Morton, CEO, International. “Tim’s restructuring expertise and ties to the local turnaround community are extensive. Under his leadership, and in partnership with Gordon Brothers Finance Company, we will deliver capabilities and capital long overdue in the Australian market.”

Joining Stewart in the Sydney office will be Christopher Shaw, an eight-year veteran of the firm. Shaw’s expertise includes inventory and brand valuations, restructuring and corporate finance. Shaw will relocate from Gordon Brothers’ London office.

“I am thrilled to lead Gordon Brothers’ expansion into Australia,” said Stewart. “The economy presents outstanding asset-based finance opportunities. We look forward to partnering with retail, commercial and industrial firms –as well as the professionals who advise them – to move forward through change.”