Dexia Asset Management has reorganised its commercial department into three major divisions, offering clients a more tailored service according to the market segment and region they operate in. The Client Relations department now consists of three major divisions: European Client Relations; International Client Relations and Business Development.

According to the new structure, the European Client Relations division, regroups the client relations teams of Dexia AM Luxembourg, Netherlands-Nordics, Germany-Austria, Switzerland and Italy. As Global Head of European Client Relations, Renato Guerriero will continue to manage the Italian branch of Dexia AM, a role he has fulfilled since 2001. The client relations teams of Dexia AM’s core countries Belgium and France will continue to report directly to the members of the Executive Committee responsible for Client Relations and Solutions.

“Servicing European clients effectively requires a tailored approach. It’s about demonstrating expert knowledge of different legislations, languages and business practices. Thanks to our local teams of client relationship managers, Dexia Asset Management is ideally positioned to offer our clients optimal investment solutions in the markets and regions we cover, said Renato Guerriero.

The International Client Relationsdivision, under the responsibility of Javier Ruiz-Villabrille, consists of the client relations teams of Spain- Portugal- Latin America, Middle East, Canada and UK-Ireland as well as the Third-Party Distribution team. As Global Head of International Client Relationship Management, Javier Ruiz Villabrille will remain responsible for the Spanish branch of Dexia AM,as he has done since 2005.

Javier Ruiz Villabrille explains: “An evolving world requires change and Dexia Asset Management is addressing that challenge and adapting itself to the new environment. With dedicated teams and an adapted range of services we are adjusting to the move towards more centralised fund selection units and decentralised distribution networks. Furthermore, Dexia AM has been increasing its local presence outside continental Europe in the last few years, particularly in Canada and the Middle East. We will continue to look for new opportunities, especially in regions where we detect the opportunity to provide real added value.”

In order to sharpen Dexia AM’s focus on expansion, Dexia AM has created a new Business Development division, which will be headed by Michel Vanderelst and will concentrate on entering new client segments or regions. Michael Vanderelst will continue to manage the Central Banks & International Institutions and the Consultant Relations teams. He also remains a member of the Board of Directors and of the Executive Committee of Ausbil Dexia Ltd (Australia).

“After successfully growing its institutional business, first within Europe and later in a limited number of geographical regions, Dexia Asset Management is now ready to consider entering into new client segments where there is,or will be,a considerable amount of money to be managed,” comments Michel Vanderelst.