BNY Mellon Investment Management has tapped Matt Shafer to become head of European distribution from the start of 2022.
The newly-created role will focus on the UK as well as continental Europe and Shafer will report to Matt Oomen, global head of distribution at BNY Mellon IM.
In the role, London-based Shafer will set and execute longer term growth plans in countries BNY Mellon Investment Management is active in, as well as new opportunities. He will oversee regional business and product development, as well as client service strategy. He will also chair the firm’s distribution executive committee in EMEA.
Shafer joins from Natixis Investment Managers where he was head of international distribution covering financial institutions, intermediary and retail markets, and captive assets. Previously, he worked at Merrill Lynch, in both its US and London offices, as head of sales for offshore funds, alternative investments and managed products.
He started his career in investment at Eaton Vance and later Bank of America.
“Matt is a highly experienced and well-respected distribution leader in the asset management industry,” Oomen said. “He brings with him a significant understanding of our clients and the investment challenges that they face, as well as a background in building and growing distribution businesses across the UK and continental Europe. Matt is a strong advocate of the multi-investment firm model and has notable experience in garnering its advantages and benefits for clients.”
The appointment is effective from January.
See also: Track to the Future – with BNY Mellon IM’s Michael Beveridge