French asset manager Comgest has launched its first UK office in Mayfair, London, in order to strengthen its wholesale business.
The firm hired Iain MacPherson from Aberdeen Standard Investments to lead the new office. MacPherson will join Comgest’s investor relations team and will work alongside UK country head Jane Russell.
At Aberdeen, MacPherson worked for around nine years as an investment director responsible for London intermediary sales.
In the new role, he will build the firm’s relationships among discretionary wealth managers, private banks, as well as multi-managers.
“I’m very excited to join Comgest, an outstanding partnership with a solid long-term performance track record across its fund range. The firm has a rare level of consistency in its style, process and people that I believe the UK wholesale market will particularly value,” MacPherson noted.
Around 7% of Comgest’s total assets of £25.1bn are managed on behalf of UK clients.
Comgest CEO Arnaud Cosserat said: “Comgest has always taken a long-term view. Establishing a local presence in the UK market, despite Brexit, reflects our enduring commitment to servicing our British investors.
“Comgest is delighted to welcome Iain on board. His depth of experience within the UK wholesale market is a great addition to the team and his partnership approach to relationships with investors reflects very much the values of our firm.”
