Mirova sets up shop in Australia

The sustainable investing arm of Natixis Investment Managers (Natixis IM) has established a dedicated private assets team in Australia to support the continued growth of Mirova's Energy Transition Infrastructure (MET) activities.

The team will focus on originating, evaluating and supporting investments for the MET platform, while deepening relationships with local investors, developers and industry stakeholders, the firm said.

The Sydney-based team will initially consist of an investment manager and an investment analyst, led by investment director Kim Nguyen, who joined from the state government.

Nguyen brings more than two decades of experience across infrastructure, energy and private markets, most recently serving as executive director of investments at the NSW Government's Energy Security Corporation and previously leading Foresight Group's Australian business for more than seven years.

Earlier in her career, she worked at Macquarie Group and Origin Energy before transitioning into senior roles at Hastings Funds Management and Waterwood Consulting.

Natixis IM said the move strengthens investment capabilities in Australia and reflects the growing importance of the market to MET strategies, as the nation continues to provide "geographic diversification" and a risk-return profile aligned with European markets.

With more than $700 million (€450m) already allocated across Australia and New Zealand, through investments, including TagEnergy, JET Charge and Yanara Australia, the establishment of the Sydney-based team reflects Mirova's growing commitment to the region. It also follows Mirova's ongoing expansion in the Asia Pacific with a Singapore hub.

Natixis IM managing director and head of Australia and New Zealand Danny King said Australia has become a key destination for Mirova's energy transition investments, supported by a growing pipeline of a range of renewable and infrastructure initiatives.

"Demand from Australian and New Zealand investors for European energy transition infrastructure opportunities continues to grow. Establishing this investment team in Sydney will allow us to work even more closely with the MET team in Paris while bringing that expertise closer to our local client base," King said.

"As clients look to deploy more capital in Europe, this local capability will strengthen our ability to connect them directly with Mirova's investment expertise, origination capabilities, and opportunity set across the region.

"It also reflects our long-term confidence in the Australian market and our commitment to expanding Natixis Investment Managers' capabilities across the region."

Meanwhile, Mirova deputy general manager and global head of private assets Raphaël Lance said: "Australia has become a strategic market for Mirova's private assets platform and one of the most dynamic regions globally for energy transition investment. We have already built meaningful experience and strong local relationships through our investments across the region."

"A dedicated presence in Sydney is a natural next step that will strengthen our origination capabilities, deepen our engagement with market participants and support the continued growth of our energy transition infrastructure activities across Australia and the broader Asia Pacific region."

The firm welcomed a new chief executive in July following the departure of its founder Philippe Zaouati, who has held the top job since January 2014.