Axiom Alternative Investments is launching a new office in Zurich and expanding its convertible bond business. Ivan Nikolov took over as head of convertibles, the firm told finews.com. 

Nikolov and Ute Heyward will be based in Zurich once the branch is ready. Together, they will further develop the convertible bond segment and strengthen the firm’s investment expertise. Axiom aims to build on its existing experience in fundamental company analysis, security selection and derivatives.

Eric Bozetto will continue to support the convertibles team, particularly in developing investment ideas. He will also work with Hervé Hanoune on the company’s flexible bond strategy and corporate credit funds.

«Convertible bonds are a strategic priority for Axiom», said David Benamou, Managing Partner and CIO of Axiom Alternative Investments.

«Ivan and Ute will play important roles in the further development of this business area, combining their investment experience with the strengths of our entire platform. Eric’s continued contribution, particularly in developing investment ideas, will be an important part of this process. With his expertise, he will also support our flexible bond and corporate credit strategies together with Hervé».

«Axiom’s strong credit expertise and comprehensive understanding of derivatives provide a solid foundation for investing in convertible bonds. In addition, Axiom’s success, stability and distribution capabilities offer an excellent platform to serve our investors across Europe. I look forward to developing the business further together with Ute, Eric and the team, combining fundamental analysis, disciplined portfolio construction and rigorous risk management to create long-term value for our clients», said Nikolov.

Boths move from Fisch Asset Management

Nikolov joins Axiom from Fisch Asset Management, where he headed the convertibles business and was a member of the portfolio management board. In this role, he was responsible for several global convertible bond portfolios. Previously, he worked as a senior portfolio manager at NN Investment Partners in London, where he played a key role in building the convertibles business, whose assets under management peaked at more than $2 billion.

His career also included stints at Aberdeen Asset Management and Pine River Capital, where he managed and traded convertible bond portfolios. Nikolov holds a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in economics and management from the University of Oxford. He is also a CFA charterholder and holds the CFA Certificate in ESG Investing as well as the Financial Data Professional certification.

Heyward started In Vienna

Heyward also joins from Fisch Asset Management, where she was deputy head and senior portfolio manager in the convertibles team and worked closely with Nikolov. At Axiom, she will drive the expansion of the business together with him and the investment team.

Heyward joined Fisch Asset Management in 2011. Before that, she spent four years in the equity and balanced funds team at Swiss Life Asset Management. She began her career at BKS Bank in Vienna. She holds a degree in business administration from the Vienna University of Economics and Business and is a Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA).