IFM’s head of private equity Stuart Wardman-Browne said the initiative to make large-scale investments was appropriate.
“The longer term focus of industry super funds’ and IFM’s flexible structures and strategy to maximise members’ super savings is suited to making longer term investments in market-leading, large-scale businesses,” Mr Wardman-Browne said.
“Jeremy Larkin will lead this important element of our private equity strategy to drive member returns.”
Mr Larkin is the latest addition to the IFM private equity team in the past year, following the recruitment of Bora Han, Adrian Kerley and David Odgers as well as Jonathan Ramasamy.
Mr Larkin originally trained as a chartered accountant with KPMG, then spent more than 25 years in corporate finance with Deutsche Bank and JP Morgan.
During his time as an investment banker, he advised ASX-listed companies including BlueScope, CIMIC, Cleanaway, Link Group, Metcash, Qantas, Qube and Wesfarmers.
Mr Larkin also has advised state and federal governments as well as domestic and global financial investors.
Mr Wardman-Bronwe commented Mr Larkin has extensive experience in originating and executing large-cap M&A transactions, including public to private.
“This experience, along with his networks within corporate Australia, [complements] our existing high-quality private equity networks, skills and experience partnering with founders and management teams,” he said.
“IFM private equity’s primary focus remains mid-market growth companies to protect and grow the retirement savings of industry super members we invest on behalf of, however we continue to evolve our offering to investors and this initiative and the hire of Jeremy is a part of this commitment to remain at the cutting edge.”
Mr Larkin said he was excited to be joining IFM.
“IFM has an impressive record of investment and stewardship, and I am very much looking forward to contributing to the growth and diversification of investment opportunities for Australia superannuation funds,” he said.
IFM held $152 billion funds under management as of 30 September.
