Asset managers sharpen institutional focus with strategic hires

Two asset managers have announced senior-level hires this week, reinforcing their commitment to deepening institutional and consultant relationships.

Pandion Asset Management, an RIA known for its focus on responsible, long-term strategies, with a focus on responsible gold investments and short-duration credit strategies, has appointed Horatio H. Sparkes as senior director of business development and investor relations which will see him engage with public pension plans, Taft-Hartley plans, endowments, foundations, family offices, and consultants.

“This is a moment when institutional investors are rethinking how they approach real assets - and what long-term alignment really looks like,” he says.

Sparkes brings over three decades of experience across both public and private market platforms, including leadership roles at CapSource Productions, APEX, Geronimo Investment Management, and The Yucaipa Companies. Earlier, as Deputy Comptroller for Pensions for the City of New York, he oversaw a $120 billion portfolio, chaired key committees, and was the first Black executive director of a NYC retirement system.

“Horatio brings a rare depth of experience across both public and private investment platforms, and that perspective will be invaluable as we continue to scale,” said Brent de Jong, CEO of Pandion Asset Management. “His credibility with allocators and commitment to disciplined strategy align closely with how we operate and where we’re headed.”

Meanwhile, Lazard Asset Management has named Keith A. Wosneski as managing director and head of consultant relations, leading global consultant engagement.

Wosneski joins from Man Group and previously held senior roles at Mackenzie Investments, Acadian Asset Management, and Mercer. He succeeds Robert Connin, who now heads Lazard’s Business Intelligence team.

“I’m looking forward to building on the firm’s success,” said Wosneski. “By aligning our investment capabilities with the evolving needs of clients, we can continue to deliver innovative solutions and exceptional outcomes.”