Igneo Infrastructure Partners appoints Hamish Lea-Wilson as Head of Europe

Monday, 24 June 2024: Igneo Infrastructure Partners (‘Igneo’) today announces that Hamish Lea-Wilson, Partner and current Head of Transactions, Europe, at Igneo, has been promoted to Head of Europe, effective from July 1^,2024.

Based in London, Hamish has over 15 years of experience in infrastructure investment across a diverse range of sectors, including utilities, energy, and transportation. He joined Igneo in 2008 and has overseen many successful transactions including the purchase of the UK’s largest energy-from-waste operator, enfinium, and recent divestments of ForSea and a minority stake in Finerge. Hamish is a board member at enfinium and Finerge and a member of the EDIF I, II & III Investment Committees. As Head of Europe, he will report to Niall Mills, Managing Partner and Global Head of Igneo.

Hamish’s appointment follows the retirement of Marcus Ayre, Partner and Head of Europe, effective from 30 June 2024. Marcus is a founding member of the Igneo European team, a member of the Igneo global senior management team and a member of the EDIF I, II & III and GDIF investment committees. During Marcus’ tenure, Igneo has grown significantly with the establishment and deployment of three dedicated European funds and a global fund with a combined AUM of over €18bn*. Marcus will become a senior advisor to Igneo, ensuring that his considerable knowledge and experience continues to be available to the business.

Igneo’s investment strategy in Europe remains unchanged and focused on maintaining its strong track record of investing in high-quality, mid-market infrastructure assets.

Hamish Lea-Wilson, Partner at Igneo, said: “I am delighted to be taking on the role of Head of Europe at Igneo and helping to drive the business into the next phase of growth. There are significant opportunities in Europe, and I look forward to working with the rest of the Igneo leadership and investment team to capitalise on them and continue delivering great results for our investors.”

Marcus Ayre, Partner and Head of Europe at Igneo, said: “I am immensely proud of what we have achieved at Igneo, both in Europe and globally. Growing Igneo into an outstanding business, working alongside the management teams of Igneo’s portfolio companies and delivering for our investors. Under Hamish’s leadership I am looking forward to seeing the business in Europe continue to go from strength to strength.”

Niall Mills, Managing Partner and Global Head of Igneo, said: “Hamish has proven himself to be a respected leader for Igneo, and his promotion to Head of Europe reflects his investment ability and his dedication to our investors. I look forward to working closely with Hamish on the next chapter for Igneo’s European team under his leadership.

I am deeply grateful for Marcus’ outstanding contribution, and for his continued role as adviser to ensure we can continue to leverage his expertise and unparalleled knowledge. As a founding partner in Europe almost two decades ago, Marcus leaves a legacy to be very proud of.”

‍About Igneo Infrastructure Partners

Igneo is an autonomous investment team in the First Sentier Investors Group. It invests in high-quality, mature, mid-market infrastructure companies in renewables, digital infrastructure, waste management, water utilities and transportation/ logistics sectors in the UK, Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand. Operating since 1994, the team works closely with portfolio companies to create long-term sustainable value through innovation, a focus on responsible investment and proactive asset management.

Igneo manages US$19.2bn worth of assets (as at 30 June 2024) on behalf of more than 200 investors around the world.

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Important information

This material is for general information purposes only. It does not constitute investment or financial advice and does not take into account any specific investment objectives, financial situation or needs. This is not an offer to provide asset management services, is not a recommendation or an offer or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any security or to execute any agreement for portfolio management or investment advisory services and this material has not been prepared in connection with any such offer. Before making any investment decision you should consider, with the assistance of a financial advisor, your individual investment needs, objectives and financial situation.

We have taken reasonable care to ensure that this material is accurate, current, and complete and fit for its intended purpose and audience as at the date of publication. To the extent this material contains any expression of opinion or forward-looking statements, such opinions and statements are based on assumptions, matters and sources believed to be true and reliable at the time of publication only. This material reflects the views of the individual writers only. Those views may change, may not prove to be valid and may not reflect the views of everyone at Igneo Infrastructure Partners or First Sentier Investors.