In their new roles, Thirukumar and Kwek are responsible for developing and managing client relationships and raising capital across the institutional channel in Australia and wealth channel in Southeast Asia, respectively. Thirukumar is based in Sydney and reports to Michael Gaffney, Head of Distribution for Australia & New Zealand; whilst Kwek is based in Singapore and reports to Lydia Wu, Head of Distribution for Greater China & Southeast Asia.

Thirukumar and Kwek are seasoned professionals in business development and client servicing in the asset management industry. Thirukumar has over a decade of experience and joins Barings from Dimensional Fund Advisors in Sydney, where he was Regional Director and Vice President for the institutional business. Kwek also brings over 20 years of experience and she joins Barings from Allianz Global Investors in Singapore, where she was Director in the private banking business for Greater China and Southeast Asia. She previously held positions at Mirae Asset Global Investments, Robeco and Credit Suisse in Hong Kong and Singapore.

"Barings has a strong commitment to the region and we are as invested in our people as we are in our clients,” said Jon Millin, Head of Distribution for Asia Pacific. “I am delighted to welcome both Aaron and Sabrina, and I am confident that the expanded team is poised to continue delivering exceptional service and innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of clients.”

Barings is also committed to providing career opportunities and advancement within the firm, as well as cultivating talent and leadership in Asia Pacific. Lydia Wu was recently appointed Head of Distribution for Greater China and Southeast Asia, assuming expanded responsibilities to cover the institutional, wealth and retail channels in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore and Southeast Asia. This will help strengthen our client relationship strategy and foster closer collaboration to capitalize on the significant growth opportunity within the region.

Barings has been adding resources in the Asia Pacific region as part of its long-term growth strategy.  The firm plans to make additional new hires covering the institutional, wealth and retail businesses in Australia, Greater China and Southeast Asia.

In addition to the strategic appointments, Barings recently acquired Altis Property Partners and Gryphon Capital Partners Pty Ltd in Australia in order to expand the structured finance and real estate capabilities of the firm in the region.

About Barings
Barings is a US$351+ 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. Learn more at www.barings.com.

*As of June 30, 2023

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