Natixis Investment Managers has hired a manager trio from Pictet Asset Management as the firm looks to launch a range of thematic strategies.
Arnaud Bisschop, Frédéric Dupraz and Nolan Hoffmeyer – who managed more than €21bn in thematic funds at Pictet – have now joined Natixis while two additional managers will join in early 2019.
Bisschop was previously co-manager of the €5.2bn Pictet Water fund, Dupraz was co-manager of the €4.9bn Pictet Security fund and Hoffmeyer was co-manager of the €3.9bn Pictet Digital fund.
The five managers will work on a new thematic range being launched by Natixis in 2019 that will cover areas such as water, safety, artificial intelligence and robotics.
Natixis said global thematic investing meets a “growing demand from investors” to ensure portfolios address global challenges and trends.
Jean Raby, chief executive of Natixis Investment Managers, described the trio as ‘pioneers’ of global thematic investing.
“These managers have been pioneers in global thematic investing. Their entrepreneurial mindset and highly active investment approach fit perfectly with our philosophy. The combination of a proven track record and strong expertise will make a substantial contribution to our global equity range.”
Natixis is currently undergoing a three-year rebrand that will see the business target revenues of 5% per annum with a return on tangible equity (RoTE) of between 13% and 14.5%.
In the asset and wealth management space, the firm wants to expand in growing asset classes, most notably in alternatives and solutions while developing its responsible investing strategies.
This article was first published by our sister publication Investment Week
