AXA IM – Real Assets appoints new logistics head

AXA Investment Managers – Real Assets has appointed Thomas Karmann as head of logistics as it continues to build its network of experts, having recently appointed new specialists for hotels, student accommodation and residential. Based in Paris, he will be responsible for maintaining and growing AXA IM – Real Assets’ 28m sq ft logistics portfolio, valued at  €1.9 billion, predominantly in the UK, Germany and France, as well as developing new logistics projects. Previously managing director and region head for Northern Europe, Karmann was responsible for the profitability of the firm’s Northern Europe business and its 48m sq ft regional portfolio of completed space. Karmann has also worked as senior vice-president of European operations for Gazeley Properties, GSE as its deputy managing director for Germany and Central Europe, and Bouygues as its commercial director for industrial and logistics. Amal Del Monaco, head of sector specialists at AXA IM – Real Assets, said: “Bringing Thomas into our team adds a vast level of cross-border European logistics experience that will further strengthen AXA IM – Real Assets’ already extensive sector specialist offering. The logistics sector continues to be firmly underpinned by strong occupational demand from a variety of occupiers, especially those in the e-commerce sector, and supported by the buoyant Eurozone.” “This is our third major appointment within the sector specialists’ team in the past month, supporting our conviction that enriching our teams with deep-rooted sector knowledge will allow us to deliver market outperformance on behalf of our clients by enhancing our ability to both source favourable investment opportunities and extract value from the assets we manage.” To send feedback, e-mail louise.dransfield@egi.co.uk or tweet @DransfieldL or @estatesgazette