Former IFM Investors director leads global PE firm's foray into Australia

A former IFM Investors director has joined the Paris-based Antin Infrastructure Partners to set up shop in Australia, as the infrastructure-focused investor looks to enter the Australian market.

Duncan Welsh has been named investor relations principal for Antin, overseeing its existing and prospective relationships in Australia and Southeast Asia with the establishment of an investor-focused office in Melbourne.

The new office complements Antin's existing office in Seoul, Korea for the Asia region, Antin said.

Welsh brings over 15 years of experience across institutional investor relationships across the Asia Pacific region, with a strong track record in capital raising, client retention and strategic leadership in infrastructure and private equity.

He joins Antin from IFM Investors, where he was most recently head of investor relations and global client solutions operations. He has worked extensively across Australia, North America, Europe and Asia, successfully managing institutional relationships and driving business development initiatives.

He is reporting to head of investor relations and senior partner Sebastian Lecaudey.

Welcoming Welsh to the role, Lecaudey said his expertise will help introduce key partners in the region.

"We are delighted to welcome Duncan to the team. His deep experience, close relationships in the APAC region and proven leadership in institutional investor relations will be instrumental as we continue to expand our presence in Australia and the Asia Pacific region," Lecaudey said.

"Duncan's appointment reinforces our commitment to building strong client partnerships and delivering best-in-class support to our investors globally."

Commenting on his appointment, Welsh added: "I am excited to join Antin and lead our expansion in Australia. Antin's commitment to partnership and entrepreneurship aligns closely with my own values.

"I look forward to building long-term relationships and further expanding our growth in Asia Pacific."

Antin currently has $54.5 billion (€33bn) in assets under management across its flagship, mid cap, and NextGen strategies, boasting a 250-strong workforce across Paris, London, New York, Seoul, Melbourne and Luxembourg.