Mathieu Elshout who joined Patrizia in 2021 to develop the real assets fund manager’s ESG strategy has left the company to lead Aware Super’s European property strategy and team.
The A$175bn (€108bn) Australian superannuation fund said Elshout will be responsible for building on the fund’s foundations in Europe and “spearhead the further design and development of the European property strategy to maximise returns” for its members.
Elshout joined Patrizia to lead in a newly created sustainability and impact investing role from PGGM Investments where he worked for more than 12 years and held the position of EMEA real estate senior director responsible for pan-European investments.
Patrizia said it has promoted Edward Pugh to head of sustainability following Elshout’s 3.5-year tenure developing the firm’s ESG strategy. Mads Rude will continue to lead Patrizia Global Partners and have overall responsibility for impact investing, supported by Marleen-Bikker-Bekkers as the key fund manager of Patrizia sustainable communities.
The head of Aware Super’s international arm and deputy CIO, Damien Webb, said Elshout’s appointment means “we’ve now filled all 15 positions in our initial investment team here in London”.
Aware Super set up its London office in November 2023 to boost its global investment reach, aiming for A$250bn in assets under management in the coming years. The fund announced plans to invest £5.25bn (€6.2bn) across Europe, through the new London hub.
“Over time we’ll grow the London team further still, with a plan for 30 investment professionals in the coming years. For now though, the team is match fit and bursting with talent – the ideal foundation for our international expansion and we are making strong progress on completing investments towards our goals,” Webb said.
Aware Super’s global head of property, Alek Misev, said: “With more than 20 years of experience in real estate investment and a strong track record in sustainable real estate investing, in the property sector, Mathieu is the ideal appointment for this role.”
Elshout said: “I am excited to be joining Aware Super with its ambitious growth plan and innovative approach to investing in the UK and European property markets.
“I very much look forward to contributing the breadth of my expertise in pan-European transactions and asset management across all sectors, risk profiles and diverse structures and am keen to ensure we invest in a responsible and sustainable way for Aware Super’s 1.1m members.”
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