Hong Kong-based boutique asset manager Value Partners, a favourite among SharingAlpha users, has appointed David Townsend as managing director, EMEA business, effective 21 April 2022.

Mr Townsend is responsible for leading Value Partners’ engagement with institutional investors in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). He will also take responsibility for the Group’s coverage of international wholesale distribution partners across the EMEA region. Based in London, Mr Townsend reports to the Group’s President, Ms. June WONG.

Mr Townsend has experience in the investment management and financial industry. Most recently, he was advising Alderwood Capital LLP as the Head of Investor Relations. Before joining Alderwood Capital, he served as head of EMEA Institutional at First Eagle Investment Management, in charge of the firm’s London office. Prior to that, he served as Managing Director, Head of EMEA and Global Consultant Relations at Martin Currie Investment Management. He was also head of UK institutional sales at AXA Investment Managers UK and at Framlington Investment Management. He started his career at Fidelity.

Value Partners president, June Wong, said in a statement: “We are very pleased to welcome David to the Value Partners team. He brings nearly 30 years of experience in institutional and wholesale investor relations, marketing and sales to the role. We see robust demand from overseas institutional investors looking to create specialized China mandates. Global pension and endowments currently only have around 3% to 5% of their portfolio exposure in China, and there is potential for that number to grow. As we aim to enhance our leadership in the EMEA region further, David’s extensive experience, knowledge and relationships in the industry will make him an invaluable asset to our business. We are delighted to have him on board.”