H2O AM is accelerating its development with the creation of a department dedicated to investor relations in order to continue to best meet the needs of its clients. Therefore, H2O AM is pleased to announce that Babak Abrar joined the group as a Chief Sales and Marketing Officer.
After more than 13 years at Natixis Investment Managers, during which he was always a close partner of H2O AM, Babak Abrar naturally assumes responsibility for this new department, dedicated to Distribution, Communication, Client Servicing and Marketing. He will be a member of the Global Executive Committee.
Already established in London, Paris, Singapore and Monaco, H2O AM is also strengthening its distribution organization by opening a new office in Geneva. Cédric Ludwig and Mickael Benzakin will co-lead the distribution to clients across Switzerland and Luxembourg.
This new major step is part of the overall development strategy of H2O AM with respect to its distribution activity. Swiss investors, who were among the first to partner with H2O AM when it was created more than
10 years ago, have developed a very strong bond with the management company and its teams. Institutionalizing this link, with a local office, is a natural step for H2O AM to continue to provide a high quality of service and maintain the proximity to its clients in the region.
“The creation of this new department dedicated to investor relations is strategic for H2O AM and I am delighted with the arrival of Babak, whose qualities and experience are well established, to lead it. In the same way, the choice to open an office in Geneva testifies to our conviction of the potential of H2O AM in this market that is key to our development and where we know how to bring a differentiating offer thanks to our Global Macro expertise. As such, I am delighted to welcome Cedric Ludwig and Mickael Benzakin, whom we have been working with for many years, in the H2O AM family. Cédric and Mickael are recognized professionals, they are a real asset to H2O AM and our clients.”
Bruno Crastes, CEO and Founder of H2O AM
“After over a decade of close partnership with H2O AM, I am thrilled to officially join the company to continue its development by relying on the expertise of its teams. The arrival of Cedric and Mickael, to co-head the coverage of Swiss and Luxembourg clients, will be great additions to the team and is the perfect example. Their understanding of our partners’ needs and technical knowledge strengthen our relationships with our investors. I strongly believe in the value of active management and am confident that the high conviction investment approach of H2O AM will continue to find a privileged place in client portfolios.”
Babak Abrar, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer
“It is a fantastic opportunity to join one of the most talented teams in the market in absolute return and fixed income space. We are delighted to evolve within a company where passion and fortitude are core values.”
Cédric Ludwig and Mickael Benzakin, Co-Heads distribution in Switzerland and Luxembourg
The opening of this office in Geneva is part of the gradual takeover of H2O AM’s distribution and investor relations activities, linked to the proposed sale of Natixis IM’s stake in the management company. H2O AM will also soon announce the creation of a communication department.
