Candriam announces an important leadership transition within its Thematic Global Equity platform, and related fund management changes to its healthcare strategies, including strategies investing in the biotechnology sector, life care and in the fight against cancer.
- After dedicating more than 25 years to Candriam, and with more than 35 years with predecessor companies, Rudi Van den Eynde, Head of Thematic Global Equity, will retire from this role in Q1 2025.
- To ensure a seamless transition, we are pleased to announce that Johan Van der Biest, current Deputy Head of Thematic Global Equity, has been promoted to co-Head, alongside Rudi until his retirement. Following this, Johan will become Head of Thematic Global Equity. This decision reflects our commitment to maintaining stability and continuity across the management of the platform. There will be no change to Johan’s fund management responsibilities.
- We are delighted to welcome back Servaas Michielssens, PhD, CFA, in a newly created role of Head of Healthcare, effective 12 February 2024, when he joins Candriam. Servaas’ previous role at Candriam as was as a Senior Fund Manager of Candriam’s healthcare strategies, alongside Rudi. His deep expertise and proven track record will be instrumental in leading our healthcare offering.
- Servaas will also lead Candriam’s life care strategy, working closely with Rudi over the coming months to ensure a smooth transition of responsibilities and the continuity of the investment strategy, supported by co-manager, Pierre Vaurice. Servaas will report to Johan Van der Biest.
- Furthermore, we are pleased to announce that Linden Thomson, CFA, will join Candriam as a Senior Fund Manager on 19 February 2024. Linden will take over as lead manager of Candriam’s strategies investing in the biotechnology sector and in the fight against cancer. Over the coming months, Linden will work closely with Rudi to ensure a smooth transition of responsibilities, maintaining the integrity and continuity of the investment processes of these two strategies. Linden will be based in London and report to Servaas.
- In addition, and to complement Johan’s new appointment, Nathaniel Wejchert, current Technology Analyst, has been promoted to Fund Manager. In his new role, he will co-manage the Candriam Equities L Robotics & Innovative Technology fund and the Candriam Equities L Meta Globe fund, together with Johan Van der Biest (lead manager) and Felix Demaeght (co-fund manager) .
There will be no changes to the investment strategy of any of our thematic healthcare strategies as a result of these developments.