Pacific Asset Management has established a permanent local footprint in Latin America for the first time, advancing its broader commercial expansion across the Americas.

The decision comes after a period in which the manager experienced “very strong demand” from regional investors for its actively managed strategies.

The group has set up a distinct legal vehicle, Pacific Asset Management LATAM, bringing sales directors Inés Pick and Santiago Queirolo Vilaró on board as full-time staff.

Both executives previously operated under a third-party marketing arrangement that generated in excess of $100m for Pacific over the preceding 12 months.

Inés Pick and Santiago Queirolo Vilaró, Sales Directors said: “We are very excited to formally become part of Pacific Asset Management and to represent the firm across Latin America and US Offshore. Pacific stands out for its entrepreneurial culture, strong focus on technology and differentiated investment solutions in an increasingly crowded industry. We see a great opportunity to build on our long-standing relationships across the region and contribute to Pacific’s continued growth.”

Situated within the broader Americas distribution team, Pick and Queirolo report to Seb Stewart, Partner & Head of Americas Business Development. From their base in Uruguay, their remit covers the distribution of Pacific’s investment strategies across Latin America and the US Offshore market, alongside client coverage and relationship management in both territories.

Pacific Asset Management partner and Americas business development head Seb Stewart said: “Having recently hired Carlos Rodriguez as our first employee in the US, establishing a dedicated local presence in Latin America is the natural next step for us. It’s a hugely exciting time for Pacific as we continue to build our business across North and South America and diversify our asset base globally.”