This week’s overview of transfers, appointments and promotions includes updates from Universal Investment Group, Luxempart, Intreal Luxembourg and Apex Group.
Jean-François Marlière
Jean-François Marlière (photo) has joined DealFox as head of mergers & acquisitions in its Luxembourg office. Marlière left one of the big four accounting firms to join DealFox. He explained that mid-sized M&A and non-listed assets are “skyrocketing” among family offices, funds and banks pursuing higher returns on their investments.
Etienne Rougier
Etienne Rougier has received CSSF regulatory approval to act as the country head of the Univeral Investment Group’s Luxembourg office. Already the group’s chief operating officer, Rougier will oversee the fast-growing Luxembourg business, with a particular focus on the integration of the European Fund Administration, acquired last year. Rougier started at AXA Investment Managers, ending up as COO for 5 years, before moving to Alliance Bernstein in 2013, as head of EMEA and Asia insurance.
Sofia Harrschar
Dr Sofia Harrschar, who served as Universal Investment’s country head since 2021, will now focus on her role as head of alternative investments & structuring. David Blumer, Universal Investment’s executive chairman credited her with doubling the AuA of the firm’s Luxembourg platform during her tenure as country head.
Olaf Kordes
Luxempart is bidding farewell to Olaf Kordes, one of its managing directors, by mutual consent. The firm said Kordes had “been instrumental” in implementing the group’s strategy and developing its direct investments activities in France. Luxembourg’s Paperjam website has reported that a discussion on social media in which Kordes heavily criticized outgoing prime minister Xavier Bettel ahead of the elections preceded his departure.
Emma Bickerstaffe
Emma Bickerstaffe joins Apex Group as Managing Director, ESG and Sustainability, joining from Apex subsidiary MJ Hudson. She will oversee the group’s ESG offering, which combines its proprietary technology platform with its operational and advisor capabilities.
Jan-Hauke Fast
Jan-Hauke Fast was appointed as conducting officer to Intreal Luxembourg S.A.’s senior management, following CSSF regulatory approval. Intreal Luxembourg is a subsidiary of the real-estate-specialised Intreal third-party AIFM. Fast will be in charge of fund management, fund reporting, registrar and transfer agent, corporate services and IT, reinforcing the existing management team. Fast is a chartered certified accountant with a degree in real estate economics from EBS University of Business and Law who’s spent over 10 years with Intreal, ending up as head of administration.
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