Macquarie hires new head of wealth distribution amid brand consolidation

Macquarie Asset Management has hired a new senior managing director and head of wealth distribution within its client solutions group as it begins a major consolidation of its wealth investment brands in the U.S.

Kimberly LaPointe joins the New York team from Cohen & Steers, where she was head of wealth. Her three decades of global industry experience includes senior roles at PGIM, where she headed up PGIM Investments International in London.

“We’re incredibly pleased to have Kimberly join us,” said Phil Peters, head of the client solutions group at Macquarie Asset Management. “Her experience and expertise help underscore our commitment to delivering exceptional investment capabilities and superior long-term returns that meet the needs of wealth communities globally, while also ensuring a market-leading experience for our distribution partners and financial advisers alike.”

LaPointe will focus on driving successful distribution strategies for delivering both alternative and traditional investment capabilities to wealth investors around the world.

SINGLE BRAND

The firm recently announced that it plans to consolidate its US wealth investment brands under the Macquarie name. This will see the Delaware Funds by Macquarie mutual funds, Ivy strategies and Central Park Group offerings all operating under the single brand within the next 12-18 months.

The aim is to provide a clearer experience for financial advisors, institutions, and their clients and to strengthen the suite of options available to them. This will also include simplifying and reducing the number of funds managed in similar styles and liquidating sub-scale funds.

Macquarie also recently launched three new ETFs under its eponymous brand: Macquarie Energy Transition ETF (PWER), Macquarie Global Listed Infrastructure ETF (BILD) and Macquarie Tax-Free USA Short Term ETF (STAX).