Growth Strategy for Alternative Investments: FERI Strengthens Its Private Markets Business with a New Co-Leadership Team

FERI AG is continuing to expand its private markets business and is restructuring the division both in terms of personnel and organization: Nicole Grützmacher and Sören Hein have recently taken over joint leadership of the business unit as Co-Heads of Private Markets. In addition, the Bad Homburg-based asset manager is creating five new positions to meet the growing demand for private markets investments from institutional investors and high-net-worth private clients.

“FERI manages approximately 18 billion euros in client assets entrusted to us in the alternative investments sector. In our view, these investment instruments have become an indispensable component of a true multi-asset strategy,” says Dr. Marcel V. Lähn, CIO and CEO-designate of FERI. “Private markets investments are a central component of this strategy. Against this backdrop, we are further developing this business segment as a strategic core area for both institutional and private clients. We are underpinning this long-term growth strategy through the targeted expansion of our capabilities. The new management structure is just the first step in this process. In the coming months, we will fill a total of five newly created positions with the right talent and further strengthen the team led by Nicole Grützmacher and Sören Hein.”

Private Markets as a Cornerstone of Modern Asset Allocation

Private markets have firmly established themselves as a core asset class: Institutional investors and high-net-worth individuals are increasing their exposure to private equity, private credit, infrastructure, and real estate to tap into additional sources of returns and diversification.

The high relevance of this asset class was also evident at SuperReturn, which took place last week in Berlin. Reflecting on this event—one of the most important international industry conferences for private markets investments—the new co-head, Nicole Grützmacher, summarized: “Discussions with investors from around the world made it clear just how much the demand for professional access to private equity, private credit, infrastructure, real estate, and other unlisted asset classes has grown. Our goal is to structure this access, select appropriate strategies, carefully assess risks, and successfully build portfolios for the long term.”

Sören Hein adds: “Investors are looking for a professional selection of high-quality strategies and reliable management. This is exactly where we come in. With the new structure, we are laying the groundwork to further develop our offerings and provide clients with even more targeted support in integrating private markets into their overall asset structure.”

Hein has been with FERI since 2016 and has overseen the development of the institutional private markets offering for years. The 36-year-old moved from the Alternative Investment Services division to the Investment Team in 2022, where, in addition to key areas related to private markets investments, she continues to oversee the selection of infrastructure and real asset investments. Grützmacher joined FERI in 2024 and brings more than 25 years of experience in the areas of private equity, private credit, real estate, and infrastructure. Previously, the 54-year-old held senior positions in wealth management at various private banks.