Symbiotics SA, a market access platform in impact investing, has appointed Théodore Economou to the position of Head of Asset Management.

Economou will lead a consolidated asset management function within Symbiotics that will regroup client management, product management, portfolio management, and risk management.

Economou joins Symbiotics from Lombard Odier Investment Managers, which he had joined in 2015 as CIO of the Multi-Asset Group.

Prior to that he served as CEO and CIO of the CERN Pension Fund.

His appointment follows a decision taken last spring by the Head of Portfolio Management, Valerie Dujardin, to move into a governance position within the firm and to push her career into a new phase.

“Théodore has the combination of global investment management expertise, leadership skills, and experience on both the asset-owner and the asset manager side to help us continue to provide an edge to our clients. His proven strategic and management skills will support extending Symbiotics’s leadership in impact investing,” said Roland Dominicé, CEO, to whom he will report.

“I also want to thank Valérie for her tremendously valuable contribution in more than 10 years of service, during which she proved a key factor of success for the firm.”

Economou said: “Symbiotics’ global footprint, its proven track record in advising clients and in managing assets, combined with its highly skilled and dedicated team provide an exceptional platform to serve clients looking for an increased exposure to impactful assets, and to drive growth. I am excited to join Symbiotics as the organization evolves to realize its full potential in impact investing.”

Valérie Dujardin said: “I look back at 10 years of exciting personal and professional development and wonderful interaction with clients and colleagues. I am truly proud and thankful of having been part of the Symbiotics venture, seeing it blossom from a pure brokerage and advisory platform at inception to a multi-service impact investing platform today serving clients globally. I look forward to pursuing my involvement with the firm in a governance role and remaining part of the growing impact investing industry.”