BNP Paribas and AXA Investment Managers Name Leaders Ahead of Merger

The appointments come ahead of the planned legal merger of AXA IM, BNP AM and BNP Paribas Real Estate Investment Management.

Isabelle Scemama has been appointed to lead the combined alternatives investment business, overseeing AXA IM Alternatives, AXA IM Prime, BNP Paribas Real Estate Investment Management, and BNP AM’s private assets division. Scemama will retain her role as global head of AXA IM Alts. With over 35 years in the alternatives space, Scemama has played a key role in shaping AXA IM’s private markets business. Since joining in 2001, she’s held several senior roles, becoming CEO of AXA IM Real Assets in 2017 and global head of AXA IM Alts in 2020.

The merged platform brings together more than €300 billion in assets under management, spanning real estate, infrastructure, private debt and private equity.

Rob Gambi will head up the combined liquid investment business, which includes AXA IM Core and BNP AM’s existing strategies. Gambi, who continues as global head of investments at BNP AM, will oversee a platform managing over €1 trillion in liquid assets, including nearly €700 billion in active fixed income, more than €40 billion in ETFs, and active thematic strategy offerings. Gambi brings more than four decades of investment experience across asset classes. He joined BNP AM in 2019, following senior roles at Henderson and UBS.

Both Scemama and Gambi will report to Sandro Pierri, CEO of AXA IM and BNP AM. Pierri commented: “These appointments are intended to guide the investment platforms through the period of integration. I have complete confidence in Isabelle and Rob’s exceptional leadership abilities to guide our teams through this transition. Their deep expertise and proven track records will be instrumental in ensuring continuity and driving us forward, as we remain steadfast in our commitment to delivering unparalleled value to our clients.”

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