Fiera Capital opens Dutch office, names head of Benelux and Nordics distribution

Fiera Capital has opened an office in the Netherlands and appointed a newly-created head of Benelux and Nordics distribution as part of its expansion plan in the EMEA region.

The independent asset manager with over $122.6bn AUM as at 31 December 2023, said in a statement on 30 April the activities in the new office in the Hague are subject to regulatory approval.

The office will be led by Jeroen van Rooij, who has been hired from Principal Asset Management to the newly created role of Head of Benelux and Nordics Distribution. He will report to Klaus Schuster, executive director and chief executive officer, EMEA.

This recent office launch marks the latest step in Fiera Capital’s global growth as it continues the swift roll-out of its regionalised distribution model, including a strategic expansion across the EMEA region.

As the Company’s fifth location in EMEA, the Hague office will further strengthen Fiera Capital’s proven ability to service institutional and intermediary investors across this market at all tiers.

It will serve as the primary hub for Fiera Capital’s clients and investors in Benelux (Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg) and the Nordics (Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Iceland), providing a dedicated presence on the ground.

Schuster said: “Our Dutch office opening is the next step in the growth of our rapid expansion in the EMEA region, with successful launches in Switzerland and Abu Dhabi in February this year.

“I believe Fiera is well-placed to tap into latent demand among institutional investors to diversify their asset allocations and, by extension, their public and private markets exposures. I am pleased to welcome Jeroen to our firm and look forward to working closely together to build Fiera Capital’s presence in the Benelux and Nordic markets.”

Van Rooij added: “I am thrilled to be joining Fiera Capital at this exciting juncture in the firm’s growth. Fiera has a fantastic mix of both private and public markets strategies that will serve to meet growing demand for private market capabilities and hybrid assets in Benelux and the Nordics, particularly among institutional investors. Additionally, the firm’s commitment to prioritizing ESG considerations and sustainability in its investment philosophy is closely aligned with the values of our target clientele in the region.”

With several decades of experience in the asset management industry, Van Rooij brings extensive expertise in the Benelux and Nordic markets and a proven track record of successful business development and leadership in these regions.

Leveraging this knowledge and his impressive leadership experience, he will be responsible for effectively driving strategic regional distribution initiatives and enhancing Fiera Capital’s profile locally.

Prior to joining the company, Van Rooij spent over 11 years at Principal Asset Management, where he was responsible for all business development in Benelux as well as managing its country heads for the Nordics and France.

Previously, he held similar positions at Robeco Asset Management, SEI Investments, ING Investment Management and Goldman Sachs Asset Management, where he led all business investments in the Netherlands and Nordics.