The evolving alternatives landscape has impacted the entire financial services industry as all funds, regardless of type, seek to build capabilities crossing liquid and illiquid alternatives.
We have significant expertise in building investment and distribution teams at stand-alone alternative funds, as well as advising asset owners and asset managers on the build out of these products and integration with their existing investment teams.
Partner
Martina co-leads the Investment Management Practice and is a member of the Financial Services Practice. In addition, she is a member of the firm’s Alternatives and Board practice. She has a particular expertise in moving and building teams and defining the strategy and execution of building new routes to market. She has worked extensively on the firm’s Diversity initiatives, and is also an Ambassador for The Diversity Project. Prior to joining Blackwood, Martina worked at Goldman Sachs in the Equities Division, covering institutional accounts across Europe. She read Politics and Philosophy at Bristol University.
Partner
Harry leads the Alternatives Practice and is a member of the Financial Services Practice. In addition, he heads the Retail Financial Services Practice and is a member of the firm’s Education and Board practices. He has a particular expertise in team lift-outs and acquisition reviews, and has advised and worked closely with start-up investment firms ahead of launch. He also serves as a Special Adviser within the educational world. Prior to joining Blackwood, Harry worked within search focusing on investment management and corporate finance. He started his career as an Assistant Fund Manager at Smith & Williamson Investment Management. He read Theology and Anthropology at Durham University.
Partner
Annie co-leads the Investment Management Practice and the Private Equity Practice and is a member of the Financial Services Practice. In addition, she is a member of the Real Estate and Alternatives practices. She specialises in advising clients across the liquidity spectrum on their senior leadership needs and strategies. Her diverse client work across asset classes has included senior investment leadership roles as well as CIOs and distribution professionals. Prior to joining Blackwood, Annie worked at Saxton Bampfylde Hever. She read Sociology and Law at Durham University.
Senior Consultant
Will is a member of the Alternatives Practice and the Financial Services Practice focussing on advising long-only funds, hedge funds, family offices and pension funds. He has particular expertise in equities. Prior to joining Blackwood, Will worked at a specialist executive search firm within the equities team. He read English Literature and Philosophy at Leeds University.
Consultant
Sebastian is a member of the Alternatives Practice and the Financial Services Practice. He has particular expertise in credit, incorporating both corporate and asset-backed functions. Prior to Blackwood, Sebastian worked at a boutique recruitment firm with a focus on distressed and special situations investment strategies. He began his career in clinical and forensic science, and, additionally, spent time working in investor relations for biotechnology companies. He read Biochemistry at Bristol University and then Analytical Toxicology at Barts and the London School of Medicine.