Louise Watson appointed Head of Institutional Sales at Natixis Investment Managers

Multi-affiliate global fund manager, Natixis Investment Managers, has announced the appointment of Louise Watson to the role of Head of Institutional Sales, Australia and New Zealand. Ms Watson joins from CQS Australia and New Zealand.

Based in the Sydney office, Ms Watson will oversee the institutional sales and client service team, offering Australian institutions strategies from Natixis’ affiliate network of 28 managers to help pursue better outcomes in all markets.

“I’m delighted to welcome Louise to Natixis Investment Managers. With a consistent track record in both investment management and investment banking, Louise has an excellent understanding of the challenges faced by investors in the Australian and global markets. In today’s climate, where we are seeing strong growth in one-size-fits all passive management, we are committed to providing active investment management strategies. A strong team with a thorough understanding of the Australian institutional landscape is essential to providing these solutions, and Louise’s depth of experience and network will connect local institutions to our global network of specialised investment managers,” said Damon Hambly, Australian CEO for Natixis Investment Managers.

Ms Watson has over 20 years’ experience within the investment industry. Initially, she worked in investment banking in the USA and London, before moving to investment management in 2007, just prior to the GFC. She held roles with Credit Suisse, Aberdeen Asset Management and Challenger Limited, before moving to CQS, where she was Head of Distribution and Executive General Board Member.

“I feel energised to lead a team of passionate professionals to grow Natixis’ Australian business and play a part in the firm’s strong culture of contributing to the community around us. Natixis’ global multi-affiliate model provides a compelling opportunity to collaborate with Australian investors to deliver tailored solutions to investors. I look forward to working with clients on a wide range of unique investment strategies, with high conviction, highly active managers. said Louise Watson, the newly appointed Head of Institutional Sales, Australia and New Zealand for Natixis Investment Managers.

“I made the switch from Investment Banking to Investment Management in 2007, just prior to the global financial crisis. Working closely with investors during this period of unprecedented disruption gave me a valuable understanding of the responsibility we have to Australian superannuants. Our industry must provide suitable investment strategies, if superannuants are to achieve their goals in retirement,” continued Ms Watson.

Ms Watson’s hire will strengthen Natixis’ relationships with Australian institutional investors seeking access to a wide range of high-conviction, high-active share investment solutions from 28 investment managers. Louise will continue to be supported by Chris Spinos, who joined Natixis as Director of Institutional Sales in November 2017.

“Demographic shifts mean the Asia Pacific is widely expected to be one of the fastest growing markets for asset management in the coming years. The Australian market is already well-developed, with a highly sophisticated institutional landscape and world-leading superannuation system, meaning it’s a key to our growth strategy. Louise’s experience within the industry – locally and globally – combined with an approach very well aligned to Natixis’ philosophy, will help to provide market-leading service and solutions to Australian institutions,” said Fabrice Chemouny, Head of Asia Pacific for Natixis Investment Managers.

A nominee for the 2016 Telstra Business Women’s Award (corporate category), and an active member of Women in Super, Ms Watson is a passionate advocate for closing the gap in superannuation. In 2015, she received a scholarship to the Harvard Business School, where she completed the High Potentials Leadership program. She is also the member of a number of affiliations including IMCA, ASFA, AIST, AIMA, Women in Super, Women in Banking and Finance and Women on Boards.