According to a statement by Natixis Investment Managers, Ms Watson will lead the company’s institutional sales and client service team and put forward strategies from Natixis’ network of 28 managers to “all markets”.
She joins after a year and a half at CQS Australia and New Zealand where she held the role head of distribution and executive general board member.
Prior to that, Ms Watson was senior institutional business development manager at Challenger for more than three years and at Aberdeen Asset Management for four years before that.
From 2007 to 2009 she was vice president, asset management at Credit Suisse Asset Management which was then acquired by Aberdeen.
Her career has spanned London, San Francisco and Sydney, where she is currently based, in vice president and director roles at JP Morgan and Man Group.
Natixis Investment Managers Australia chief executive Damon Hambly said he was “delighted” to welcome Ms Watson to the company.
“With a consistent track record in both investment management and investment banking, Louise has an excellent understanding of the challenges faced by investors in the Australian and global markets.”
Natixis was “committed” to active investment strategies, he added.
“A strong team with a thorough understanding of the Australian institutional landscape is essential to providing these solutions, and Louise’s depth of experience and network will connect local institutions to our global network of specialised investment managers.”
Commenting on her own appointment, Ms Watson said she looked forward to “play[ing] a part in the firm’s strong culture of contributing to the community around us”.
“Natixis’ global multi-affiliate model provides a compelling opportunity to collaborate with Australian investors to deliver tailored solutions to investors.
“I look forward to working with clients on a wide range of unique investment strategies, with high conviction, highly active managers.”
