Imara Asset Management this week (May 28) announced a series of senior management appointments as the regionally represented manager continued its programme of strategic expansion in response to mounting investor interest in sub-Saharan Africa.
The company is a key contributor to the Imara financial services group and a pioneer in the development of ‘frontier’ investment funds – a major growth point as an increasing number of international investors seek exposure to markets with low correlation to developed economies.
Mining industry consultant and analyst Bruce Williamson has joined Imara Asset Management South Africa providing expertise in the key areas of African mining and resources.
Anthony Lopes Pinto, former head of research at Imara Edwards Zimbabwe, joins Imara Asset Management UK to further strength the team working in West and North Africa, with an emphasis on French and Portuguese-speaking jurisdictions.
Grant Flanagan is promoted to lead fund manager on the Imara Zimbabwe Fund after twelve months with operational responsibility for this highly successful frontier fund. Grant is currently chief investment officer in Zimbabwe.
Rishay Lalla, a member of the Zimbabwe investment team, is named co-manager of the Imara Zimbabwe Fund. He has also been appointed co-manager of the Imara Nigeria Fund. Jon Chew remains lead manager of this fund.
John Legat, chief executive officer of Imara Asset Management, commented: “Further strengthening of our fund management and product development teams is a signal that strategic growth is proceeding at pace. Our flagship product, the Imara African Opportunities Fund, has established a strong profile while the recently introduced Imara Africa Series has proved a major success.
“Response to the initial series covering markets in Zimbabwe and Nigeria has been extremely positive, leading to the launch earlier this year of our East Africa fund. Further product development across the Africa Series portfolio will be intensely explored in the coming months.
“I wish all executives every success in their new roles.”
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