Kleinwort Benson hires Goldmans' Gazmararian in 'world class' drive

Kleinwort Benson is hoping to build a ‘world class investment team’ with the hire of a new investment advisory head and multi-asset investing chief.

Goldman Sachs’ Lucy Gazmararian joins with a remit to bring the firm’s investment approach to advisers and clients. She was executive director of a global team, and previously worked at Schroders Private Banking.

Meanwhile a new head of multi-asset investing role has been created for Andrew Thompson, previously head of advisory portfolio management.

His role will be to spot opportunities in the multi-asset space, working closely with the existing fund managers.

The appointment is part of a plan to build a ‘world class investment team’, said Kleinwort Benson chief executive officer Sally Tenant.

‘Lucy’s appointment is another clear step in building our world class investment team, which is a key aspect of our growth plans,’ she said.

‘The uncertain economic backdrop has meant that clients need trusted advice more than ever.  Having Lucy on board will enable us to engage even more actively with clients to provide them with tailored investment solutions.’

The group recently merged its fund range with the aim of increasing operational efficiencies and improving fund performance.

Chief investment officer Mohammed Choukeir added: ‘Over the past few months, we have been boosting our investment engine by building the team and putting in place a process to bring forward our best investment ideas and opportunities to clients.  Both Lucy and Andrew will be instrumental in developing this programme.’