BNP Paribas consolidates investment leadership following AXA IM acquisition
11 JUL, 2025
By Jose Luis Palmer from RankiaPro Europe
BNP Paribas Asset Management (BNPP AM) and AXA Investment Managers (AXA IM) have announced key transitional leadership appointments following the legal completion of BNP Paribas Cardif’s acquisition of AXA IM on 1 July 2025. The changes precede the expected legal merger of BNPP AM, AXA IM, and BNP Paribas Real Estate Investment Management (BNPP REIM) by year-end.
Scemama to head combined alternatives business
Isabelle Scemama will lead the unified alternatives investment platform, integrating AXA IM Alts, AXA IM Prime, BNPP REIM, and BNPP AM’s private assets. This new structure encompasses more than €300 billion in alternatives assets under management, covering real estate, infrastructure, private debt and alternative credit, and private equity. Scemama retains her role as Global Head of AXA IM Alts.
With over 35 years of experience in alternative investments, Scemama joined AXA IM – Real Assets in 2001. She was appointed CEO of that division in 2017 and Global Head of AXA IM Alts in 2020.
Gambi to oversee liquid investment strategies
Rob Gambi will lead the combined liquid investment platform, spanning AXA IM Core and BNPP AM, while continuing as Global Head of Investments at BNPP AM. The consolidated platform manages over €1 trillion in assets, including nearly €700 billion in active fixed income, more than €40 billion in ETFs, and holds a global second-place ranking in active thematic strategies.
Gambi, who joined BNPP AM in 2019, has over 40 years of investment management experience, including leadership positions at Henderson Global Investors and UBS Global Asset Management.
Both Scemama and Gambi report to Sandro Pierri, CEO of AXA IM and BNPP AM.
These appointments are intended to guide the investment platforms through the period of integration. I have complete confidence in Isabelle and Rob’s exceptional leadership abilities to guide our teams through this transition. Their deep expertise and proven track records will be instrumental in ensuring continuity and driving us forward, as we remain steadfast in our commitment to delivering unparalleled value to our clients.
Sandro Pierri, CEO of AXA IM and BNPP AM
