BMO Global Asset Management has appointed an investment banker to lead its new global alternatives division as it eyes growth in its private equity and real estate divisions.
Stewart Bennett, who joins from UK investment banking firm Ondra Partners, will become global head of alternatives. His appointment comes as Nick Criticos from BMO Real Estate Partners, retires after more than 20 years at the business, including more than 10 years as CEO.
Bennett, who will be based in London, will join the business in May and report to Kristi Mitchem (pictured), CEO of BMO Gam. He has been charged with developing and executing the asset manager’s global growth strategy for alternative investments.
Mitchem said the company sees alternatives as a “major growth area for the business globally”. “Combining our alternatives expertise into one structure will enable us to best meet client demand and drive our growth ambitions.”
Bennett’s direct reports will be Hamish Mair, head of private equity, Marcus Phayre-Mudge, head of real estate securities business Thames River Capital LLP, and Angus Henderson, Ian Kelley, Richard Kirby and Iris Schöberl, the management team at BMO Real Estate Partners.
