November 18, 2022

Barings Appoints Distribution Lead for France

Barings, one of the world’s leading investment managers, today announced the appointment of Censi Zhou, Director – Sales & Distribution, France.

Censi joins from Amundi where she spent more than 14 years, most recently focusing on institutional investor relations and fundraising within private debt, private equity, infrastructure and real estate with a primary focus on France and Italy as well as Hong Kong and China.

Censi, who is based in Barings’ Paris office is responsible for leading the firm’s fundraising, sales and distribution efforts in the French institutional and wealth channels, spanning Barings’ investment capabilities across public and private fixed income, real estate and specialist equities.

This appointment further demonstrates Barings’ commitment to the French market, where it has been actively investing in recent years. In the last 12 months, (sept 2021- sept 2022) Barings’ European private debt platform has deployed €6.1bn, of which €1.7bn was invested in French domiciled companies. Barings has financed 19 transactions in France with 11 Private equity sponsors. In addition, Barings has been an active real estate investor in France, including office, logistics and retail, since 2015.

Commenting, James Anderson, Head UK & EMEA Sales and Distribution at Barings said,
“We are delighted to welcome Censi to Barings’ European distribution business. This new senior hire reflects our ongoing commitment to the European market, where we continue to see significant opportunities for growth.

“Censi brings highly relevant experience to the firm, across a number of asset classes that align with Barings’ platform coupled with a depth of knowledge of the local market and I am confident she will combine these effectively to position Barings for continued growth in France.”

Commenting on her appointment, Censi Zhou, said,
“I was drawn to Barings because of the range of investment solutions on offer across both public and private markets, and the breadth and depth of knowledge of investment professionals.

“I am excited to join the firm, leading distribution efforts in France whilst cementing Barings as one of the key players within the French market.”

Contacts:
Sarah Einig
Sarah.Einig@barings.com
+44 (0)7970 256 223

About Barings
Barings is a $338+ billion* global investment manager sourcing differentiated opportunities and building long-term portfolios across public and private fixed income, real estate, and specialist equity markets. With investment professionals based in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific, the firm, a subsidiary of MassMutual, aims to serve its clients, communities and employees, and is committed to sustainable practices and responsible investment.

*Assets under management as of September 30, 2022