Alternative assets data specialist Preqin has appointed Christoph Knaack, currently Preqin's chief strategy & product officer, as the company's CEO as of 1 January 2022.
Knaack will focus on leading Preqin through its next growth phase, the firm said. From 2022, Preqin's founder and current CEO, Mark O'Hare, will focus on his active involvement with the firm as a member of Preqin's board of directors, and as the company's principal shareholder.
Said O'Hare: 'It is an exciting time for Preqin and the alternative assets industry in general, and as such it is a perfect time to transition to a dynamic new leader. Since he joined Preqin, Christoph has brought clarity and focus to our product and corporate strategy, with tremendous results.
'Thanks to his deep industry knowledge, customer focus and fresh perspective, Christoph is the right person to lead Preqin going forward — with the full support of the board, the executive committee and our amazing team across the globe.'
Knaack joined Preqin in 2020 and has since served on Preqin's executive committee. Before he joined Preqin, roles included spells at hedge fund Davidson Kempner, private equity firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts and in investment banking at Morgan Stanley.
In August 2021, Preqin expanded its horizons with the acquisition of Colmore, a private markets technology, services and administration business. In October, Preqin launched major updates to its ESG Solutions tool, and said it had 'an ambitious product roadmap in place' for the future.
Knaack added: 'I am truly honoured to lead Preqin through its next phase of growth. Preqin is an incredible business and Mark's vision in building it has truly changed the alternative assets industry.
'I want to thank Mark for his leadership over the years, for his personal mentorship and guidance, and for his and the board's confidence in me. Private markets are evolving, and so is Preqin, and I am very excited about the opportunities ahead of us.'
