IFM Investors appoints global product strategy head

IFM Investors has strengthened its global leadership team with a senior appointment of a former WTW consultant.

The appointment is aimed at sharpening its investment offering and responding its investment offering and responding to changing institutional client requirements.

The pension capital manager has appointed David Cienfuegos as global head of product structure strategy, based in New York, bringing more than 25 years of investment and leadership experience across public and private markets.

Cienfuegos who spent 15 years at WTW in investment leadership roles, most recently as senior managing director and head of Western Europe and International. He will be responsible for identifying emerging opportunities and translating shifting market conditions and client priorities into product strategies.

The appointment follows IFM's recruitment of Jeff Chee as global head if investment research in March, as the firm continues to develop its capabilities across international business.

IFM Investors head of product strategy and innovation Rekha Misra said the role would help the organisation make strategic decisions amid evolving market dynamics.

"This role will help ensure IFM is well positioned to respond to the needs of its clients and the ever-changing global dynamics we operate within and help us make clear and disciplined strategic choices for the benefit of the 160 million working people our clients represent," Misra said.

She said Cienfuegos experience would strengthen the firm's ability to design investment solutions while maintaining a focus on long-term growth.

"We're delighted to welcome David to IFM. His appointment strengthens our solutions design capability and will help us focus on long-term growth and evolving client needs," Misra said.

Cienfuegos said IFM's purpose and long-term investment approach were central to his decision to join.

"Three things stood out to me about IFM: its purpose, its people and the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution. I was drawn to the organisation's long-term focus and its commitment to investing, protecting and growing the retirement savings of working people," he said.

The appointment follows a broader period of change within IFM's global leadership, including the planned retirement of infrastructure head of North America Julio Garcia after 18 years with the firm. Garcia will transition out of his executive responsibilities