AXA Investment Managers (AXA IM) has announced the appointment of Tim Gardener as Global Head of the firm’s new Institutional Client Group, formed to reflect AXA IM’s focus on the investment needs of distinct client groups. Lisa O’Connor, currently European Head of Consultant Relations, succeeds Tim Gardener as Global Head of Consultant Relations.
Tim Gardener will lead the development of the firm’s offering and approach to institutional clients, including insurance companies, pension funds, and sovereign wealth funds. Elodie Laugel, previously Head of Solutions Development in AXA IM’s Multi Asset Client Solutions team, has been appointed Deputy Head of the Institutional Client Group. The global consultant relations team, led by Lisa O’Connor, is an integral part of the Institutional Client Group, representing the importance of consultants in both their traditional advisory role and as leading players in fiduciary management markets across the spectrum of institutional clients.
The Institutional Client Group is one part of AXA IM’s wider Client Group of 250 professionals led by Laurent Seyer. The division is in charge of developing AXA IM’s proposition by client segment (institutional, retail and wholesale), while coordinating and monitoring marketing and client relationship activities.
Commenting on the appointments, Laurent Seyer, Head of Client Group at AXA IM, said: “The leading asset managers of tomorrow will be those that are able to develop the strongest relationships with their clients. Our relationship with the AXA Group means that we are constantly challenged to stay at the forefront of financial innovation and that we have an in depth understanding of the needs of complex clients. The Institutional Client Group will ensure that we are leveraging this competitive advantage to the benefit of all of our clients. It will also support AXA IM in being as well positioned as possible to help its clients and consultants address the investment challenges facing them.”