Global asset manager BlackRock has appointed Will Thomson as managing director and portfolio manager in the firm’s climate infrastructure team in New Zealand, following its announcement to launch a New Zealand-focused strategy, via its climate infrastructure franchise, last year.
Thomson, based in Auckland, will be responsible for sourcing climate infrastructure investment opportunities, managing diligence structuring and the closing of transactions in the country.
With over 15 years’ experience in private capital investment, portfolio management and corporate finance, Thomson joins BlackRock from Jarden, where he was responsible for the origination, structuring, execution and management of direct private capital investments in New Zealand.
He also served as a board director and Jarden’s representative for its investee companies. Prior to this, Thomson held roles at Global Infrastructure Partners in Sydney and London and worked in the investment banking divisions of Credit Suisse and Jarden.
This senior appointment follows BlackRock’s decision to open an office in Auckland this year. The company, it says, has been investing and managing the retirement savings of New Zealanders for over a decade, serving a broad set of clients, including sovereign entities, KiwiSaver providers, wealth and asset managers, as well as institutional and broking firms.
Charlie Reid, the asset manager’s Asia-Pacific co-head of climate infrastructure, adds: “Thomson brings valuable expertise and industry knowledge that aligns well with our global experience in developing and managing climate infrastructure assets.”
