AXA IM Strengthens Thematic Equities Team with Two Key Appointments
8 JAN, 2025
By Jose Luis Palmer from RankiaPro Europe
AXA Investment Managers (AXA IM) has announced the addition of James Dowey and Matthew Ward to its Thematic Equities team, focusing on the firm’s technology strategies.
Building on Thematic Expertise
The appointments reflect AXA IM's continued commitment to its technology franchise, a core component of its thematic range that has driven significant growth over the past decade. The Thematic Equities team now manages approximately $9 billion across eight strategies, covering areas such as robotics, healthcare, and biotechnology.
Both James Dowey and Matthew Ward will be based in London and report to Tom Riley, Head of Global Thematic Strategies for AXA IM Core, who has been instrumental in developing the firm's thematic offerings over his 15-year tenure.
Seasoned Professionals Join the Team
- James Dowey brings 19 years of investment experience and was previously Co-Head of the Global Innovation Team at Liontrust Asset Management, where he co-managed the Global Technology, Global Innovation, and Global Dividend Funds.
- Matthew Ward joins with 23 years of industry expertise from Barings, where he served as Head of Global Technology Equities and co-managed various global and international equity strategies. Ward is particularly noted for launching and managing the Barings Global Technology Fund, along with overseeing a range of mandates in global equities.
We are pleased to bring in investors with the experience, quality, and enthusiasm of Matt and James. Thematics has been an important growth driver for AXA IM Core over the last decade, and our technology capabilities have been at the forefront of this. These high-calibre appointments will strengthen the management and continued development of our Global Technology strategies and our broader global equity capabilities.
Tom Riley, Head of Global Thematic Strategies for AXA IM Equity
Expanding a Proven Thematic Approach
AXA IM has a long-standing history in managing sector-specific funds, including its flagship Global Technology Fund, and launched its thematic range in 2015 with a robotics-focused strategy. Since then, the range has expanded to include innovative and differentiated investment strategies that attract clients globally.
The new hires aim to leverage this foundation and further develop AXA IM's thematic capabilities, ensuring the firm continues to deliver robust performance and innovative solutions for its clients.
These appointments underline AXA IM’s strategic focus on thematic investing, particularly in technology, as it positions itself for continued growth in the competitive global equities market.
