Sustainability-focused asset management firm Candriam announced today a series of new appointments to its ESG development and climate-related thematic global equity teams, including two new hires and two promotions.

The appointments include Marouane Bouchriha, as Fund Manager on Candriam’s climate action strategy, David Czupryna as Lead Fund Manager on the firm’s circular economy strategy, Alexandra Russo in the newly created role of Head of ESG Client Portfolio Management for the US and UK, and Marie Niemczyk as Head of ESG Client Portfolio Management.

According to Candriam, the new appointments come in response to significant growth in demand for ESG investment products, as the firm’s ESG AUM increased to €105 billion, growing nearly 20% over the prior year.

In his new role, Bouchriha will lead Candriam’s climate action strategy with Co Fund Manager Vincent Maeuleman. He joins from Edmond de Rothschild Asset Management, where he was responsible for co-managing climate solutions strategies.

Czupryna joined Candriam in 2018 as Head of ESG Development, where he helped develop the firm’s ESG footprint as well as the creation of new thematic investment strategies. Prior to that, he worked at firms including Sycomore Asset Management, Erste Asset Management, and BNP Paribas in London.

Russo will support the firm’s capabilities across the US and UK with respect to ESG strategies. She joins Candriam after 10 years at Allianz Global Investors. In 2016, she became a Product Specialist covering equity products at Allianz with a focus on the Global Water Fund, and also became a Sustainability Specialist at the firm. Most recently, she was a Director and Product Specialist on the Thematic Equity team.

Niemczyk joined the firm in 2018 as Head of Insurance Relations. Prior to that, she was responsible for institutional strategy and development at AXA Investment Managers in Paris. Previously, she has also held other roles at Fidelity in London, Frankfurt, and Paris.

Vincent Hamelink, Chief Investment Officer at Candriam, said:

 “These appointments ensure Candriam can continue to build on its strengths in ESG investing and thematic equity. We are adding a wealth of expertise to these two teams, deepening our skills and experience. Investors want us to keep doing what we are doing around sustainable and responsible investment, and in fact to go further, so I am delighted we are able to make these appointments and bring fantastic new talent into the business.”