Robeco lures ETF heavyweight to lead platform launch

Global asset manager and sustainable investment specialist Robeco has poached Fidelity’s Nick King to lead its soon-to-be-launched exchange traded funds (ETFs) platform.

Robeco said the expansion into ETFs is a key part of its wider 2021-2025 Strategy.

The Europe-based firm, which offers a range of active investments, said ETFs “have been under consideration… for a while, given their growing popularity and versatility in the investment landscape”.

“Robeco recognises that ETFs present a major opportunity to package strategies, complementing existing capabilities offered through mutual funds and mandates.”

The UK-based King comes with a notable pedigree in ETF investing, having previously served in senior roles at Fidelity International and BlackRock, where he specialised in ETF product development, portfolio management, and distribution across various asset classes.

King, in his most recent role, served more than eight years as Fidelity’s head of ETFs. Based within the firm’s London branch, he played a central role in building out Fidelity’s own ETF business.

King’s expertise “will be key” in steering Robeco’s development into the ETF market, the firm said in a statement.

Ivo Frielink, Robeco’s head of strategic product & business development, recognised King’s “extensive experience in ETFs, with “his commitment to innovation [aligning] perfectly with Robeco’s strategic vision and research-driven approach”.

“We are confident that under Nick’s leadership, Robeco can successfully wrap its investment expertise and strategies into a comprehensive ETF lineup.”

Commenting on his LinkedIn profile King said he was “excited… to lead [Robeco’s] entry into the ETF market.

He added: “Robeco’s commitment to sustainability, expertise in quantitative investing and range of highly relevant thematic strategies will make for a compelling and differentiated ETF offering”.

Founded in 1929, and headquartered in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, Robeco maintains 16 offices worldwide, including in the Sydney CBD.