Investec’s private credit management business has appointed Alicia Forry as head of ESG, alternative investments.
Forry (pictured) has almost seven years of experience at Investec, having previously held the role of head of UK equity ESG products, leading cross-sector ESG research on UK listed companies.
She is also a member of Investec’s Sustainable Business Forum, which was set up to help co-ordinate the firm’s efforts to support clients in the transition to net zero.
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Investec Alternative Investment Management (IAIM) focuses on private market credit strategies, utilising the origination capabilities of Investec’s direct lending team to provide solutions for investors.
Investec’s direct lending strategy manages more than £3bn of assets and is focused on the European lower-mid market.
Read more: Impact credit funds grow in popularity
“It is a pleasure to join the IAIM team and continue working within the mid-market to enhance its ESG credentials – building on Investec’s expertise in this area,” said Forry.
“Our research recently found that seven in 10 mid-market firms in the UK are currently planning, implementing, or have already implemented an ESG strategy – with the majority believing it makes their business more attractive to potential acquirers and investors. I look forward to working with corporates committed to developing their ESG credentials and unlocking the various layers of unrealised value they can provide investors.”
IAIM is the manager of Investec Private Debt Fund, which raised €165m (£140m) in 2020 and grew by 50 per cent in 2022 to €250m. The fund focuses on providing senior secured debt and subordinated debt for private equity and corporate-backed businesses in Europe.
Read more: Private debt investors expect rise in dealmaking and fundraising
“Alicia’s expertise will be invaluable to our team – helping us to embed ESG considerations into every stage of our investment process,” said Callum Bell, director at IAIM and head of direct lending.
“At a time when the sustainability credentials of a business are increasingly under scrutiny, we believe that top ESG performers have an increased edge in delivering long-term value creation for shareholders.”
