BlackRock has selected Will Thomson as Managing Director and Portfolio Manager for the Climate Infrastructure team in New Zealand, starting in July 2024. Last year, BlackRock announced the launch of a New Zealand-focused strategy through its Climate Infrastructure franchise.
Will, based in Auckland, will be in charge of finding investment opportunities for climate infrastructure and managing the process of evaluating, organizing, and completing transactions in New Zealand.
With more than 15 years of experience in private capital investment, portfolio management, and corporate finance, Will is joining BlackRock from Jarden, where he was responsible for originating, organizing, executing, and managing direct private capital investments in New Zealand. He also held positions at Global Infrastructure Partners in Sydney and London, and worked in the investment banking departments of Credit Suisse and Jarden.
This senior appointment comes after BlackRock's decision to establish an office in Auckland this year. BlackRock has been investing and managing the retirement savings of New Zealanders for over a decade, catering to various clients including sovereign entities, KiwiSaver providers, wealth and asset managers, as well as institutional and broking firms.
Charlie Reid, Asia Pacific Co-Head of Climate Infrastructure, BlackRock, said, “We are delighted to have Will join BlackRock. Will brings valuable expertise and industry knowledge that aligns with our global experience in developing and managing climate infrastructure assets. We are excited to work with Will to invest on behalf of our clients in New Zealand companies that are leading the way in transitioning to a low-carbon economy.”
Andrew Landman, Deputy Head of Asia Pacific, BlackRock, said, “BlackRock's strategy focused on New Zealand aims to meet the local demand for direct investment opportunities in the New Zealand climate finance system. We are excited to have Will as a senior investor leading our efforts alongside our existing Climate Infrastructure team to contribute to the growth of the New Zealand economy while enhancing energy security and resilience for the local community.”
