LGT Capital Partners names new chief executive

LGT Capital Partners is preparing for a leadership transition as the global alternatives investment manager moves to the next phase of its growth, with its long-serving chief executive set to step into a board role after almost three decades at the helm.

Sascha Gruber will take over as chief executive from Roberto Paganoni on 1 January 2027, subject to regulatory approval, as part of the firm's succession planning.

Paganoni, who has led the business since its establishment in 1998, will join LGT Capital Partners' group board.

Gruber joined the firm in 2002 and has held senior leadership positions across its investment and executive committees. He has been instrumental in developing its private markets business, particularly its secondaries strategy, while also helping expand its international operations and presence in the Americas.

Under Paganoni's leadership, LGT Capital Partners has grown into a global alternatives investment manager with more than US$120 billion in assets under management and more than 750 institutional clients.

The firm employs around 1000 people across 16 offices, investing across private markets, multi-alternatives and diversifying strategies, alongside sustainable and impact strategies.

LGT Capital Partners chair Prince Max von und zu Liechtenstein said the firm's long-term ownership by the royal family of Liechtenstein allowed it to take a considered approach to leadership succession.

He credited Paganoni with building a resilient business and establishing a strong organisational culture, adding that Gruber shared the principles underpinning the firm's development.

Paganoni said Gruber had made a substantial contribution to the firm's growth and understood its business and culture.

"I have every confidence in him and the broader management team and I look forward to supporting the firm in my future role," he said.

Gruber said he was honoured by the appointment and intended to work with colleagues to further develop the investment platform and maintain relationships with clients and partners globally.

The firm said it would continue pursuing its existing strategy under the family's ownership, including investing its own capital alongside clients to maintain alignment of interests.