Natixis Global Asset Management is kicking off a new business development initiative in Canada.
The expansion will focus on tapping the steadily growing Canadian institutional market by forging and strengthening its relationships with institutional and sub-advisory clients throughout the region.
“We are confident that our proven ability to help manage risk through our durable portfolio construction approach will resonate with pension funds, endowments and foundations seeking ways to protect their clients from volatility,” says John Hailer, CEO of Natixis Global Asset Management in the Americas and Asia. “The current Canadian institutional market, estimated to be $1.5 trillion and growing, is a diverse market that pairs well with the investment solutions available through our worldwide network of affiliated investment managers.”
The firm’s business development effort will initially focus on the institutional markets in Ontario and Quebec. Montreal-based Roxane St.-Martin, senior vice-president, institutional services, and Boston-based Ian Macduff, senior vice-president, institutional services, will co-manage the Natixis Canadian distribution efforts.
St.-Martin brings more than 16 years in asset management experience to the position and has worked for Natixis in the United States, Paris and Canada. She joined Natixis Asset Management in Paris in 2009, becoming head of wholesale in 2010.
Macduff is a 20-year veteran in the financial services industry, having previously worked in retirement sales at Fidelity Investments.
Paris-based Natixis manages more than US$899 billion ($965 billion) in assets.