Darragh joins one of Australia’s largest in-house investment teams, comprising 20+ locally based specialists. He previously spent six years at Escala Partners, where he co-led the firm’s alternatives research and ESG strategy. In his new role, he will work closely with LGT Crestone Head of Private Markets Martin Randall, Deputy Chief Investment Officer Kevin Wan Lum, and Investment Analyst Nicola Williams to help further scale LGT Crestone’s market-leading alternatives platform and deliver sophisticated investment solutions to high-net-worth (HNW) and ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) clients.

Commenting on the appointment, Scott Haslem, Chief Investment Officer at LGT Crestone, said: “Darragh brings a rare combination of expertise across alternatives, portfolio construction, and ESG – all of which are central to the way we invest on behalf of our clients. His appointment builds on the momentum of our alternatives platform and supports our focus on delivering sophisticated, institutional-grade solutions to Australia’s most affluent families and individuals. We’re delighted to welcome him to the firm.”

Darragh’s appointment comes at a time of significant growth in LGT Crestone’s alternatives platform. Since 2016, the firm has grown its alternatives exposure from $150 million to over $9 billion, partnering with some of the world’s leading private equity, venture capital, and hedge fund managers. This expansion has been driven by a deliberate strategy to translate traditionally institutional-only opportunities into accessible, high-quality solutions for private clients.

Darragh Kennelly brings almost two decades of experience in financial services across Australia and Ireland, specialising in alternative investments and ESG integration.

Between 2020 and 2025, Darragh served as Senior Investment Analyst at Escala Partners, where he co-led the firm’s alternatives research and portfolio construction. In this role, he managed a portfolio of alternative strategies spanning private equity, private credit, infrastructure, hedge funds, and venture capital. He was also responsible for leading ESG integration across the investment process, developing the firm’s ESG policy, and producing its inaugural ESG Annual Report.

Darragh played a key role in manager selection and due diligence, screening alternative investment opportunities and leading capital raises for private markets funds. He regularly presented market insights to advisers and clients, hosted fund manager events and podcasts, and contributed to industry forums including the AVCJ Australian Private Equity Forum.

Prior to Escala, Darragh held investment roles at Prudential International Assurance, Dexia Credit Local, and Harvest Financial Services in Dublin, gaining experience across investment analysis, platform transformation, and fixed income markets.

Darragh is a CFA® charterholder and holds a Bachelor of Science in Business and Management from the Technological University of Dublin. He also holds a CFA Certificate in ESG Investing and has completed the Chartered Market Technician program.

On his new role, Darragh commented: “The alternatives landscape is growing rapidly, with increasing demand for bespoke private market solutions from private clients for institutional quality investments. LGT Crestone has built a compelling platform and I’m excited to be part of its next phase of growth.”

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