IMC asset management has announced the hiring of a team of four senior investment professionals. The move heralds the launch of an investment grade credit corporate offering, within its core European credit capability.

The team joins from Lombard Odier Darier Hentsch. Rodrigo Araya, who joins IMCam as Head of Investment Grade Credit Strategies, was responsible for the entire fixed income business at LODH while continuing to directly head the credit business. The other team members joining are Oscar Jansen (who joins as Senior Portfolio Manager), Robert Manning (Head of Investment Grade Credit analysis) and Henk Wiersma (Senior Investment Grade Credit Analyst), who were running several high performing credit mandates and funds at LODH.

Sander Nieuwland, CEO of IMCam commented: “The addition of this highly experienced and successful team will significantly expand the scope of asset management credit strategies delivered by IMCam to our institutional and HNWI client base. We are delighted to welcome such high quality individuals, with a very strong nine year track record, and a shared vision of excellence. We believe credit is an important area of opportunity for investors and in these turbulent markets there is a greater need for talent and experience than ever. "

Rodrigo Araya, Head of Investment Grade Credit Strategies added: “The team is very much looking forward to the opportunities available as part of the IMCam business. We plan to marry our experience and established track record with the strong reputation and growth plans of IMCam. The IMC Group provides a robust infrastructure and governance in addition to strong financial backing.”

The investment grade platform consisting of a long/short and a long-only capability, will be formally launched and open to clients on 1st June 2010.