Macquarie makes senior appointment in Italy

As Macquarie Group continues to grow its presence in Italy, its asset management business has today announced the appointment of Gianluca Ricci as a Managing Director.

Based in Macquarie Group’s soon to be opened office in central Milan, Gianluca will be responsible for Macquarie Asset Management’s growing investment activity in Italy’s infrastructure and renewable energy sectors. The role will see Gianluca reviewing investment opportunities, leading engagement with key stakeholders, and managing Macquarie Asset Management’s existing portfolio of investments including Autostrade per l’Italia, and Open Fiber.

Gianluca brings to Macquarie Asset Management more than 20 years’ experience in corporate finance and joins from CDP Equity, the equity investment arm of Cassa Depositi e Prestiti, where he was most recently Head of Investments and Equity Portfolio Management. In this role, Gianluca oversaw investment and asset management activity for direct equity investments made by Cassa Depositi e Prestiti and CDP Equity. Gianluca has previously served on the Board of Fondo Italiano d’Investimento SGR, Italy’s largest private institutional investor, and led the M&A practices of various investment banks in Italy, including HSBC more recently.

Martin Bradley, Head of Real Assets in EMEA for Macquarie Asset Management, said: “Our investments in Autostrade per L’Italia and Open Fiber over the past twelve months have sharpened our focus on Italy and the significant opportunities we see in the market. As we look to further strengthen our portfolio of investments locally, we are delighted to welcome Gianluca to our growing team. His extensive network and experience will make an invaluable contribution as we expand our local footprint.”

Commenting on his appointment, Gianluca Ricci said: “Macquarie has been a key participant in the Italian market for nearly two decades, supporting the delivery and operation of essential infrastructure across the country. I look forward to helping drive this important work forward, delivering the investment that is needed to upgrade Italian infrastructure and make it more sustainable.”

Macquarie Group has been active in Italy since 2003 across the utilities, renewable energy, transport, and real estate sectors. Today, it is present in the market through its three main operating divisions in EMEA - its asset management division, Macquarie Asset Management, its advisory and principal investments division, Macquarie Capital, and Commodities and Global Markets division. The diversified financial services group is growing its local team and establishing an office in Milan as part of its commitment to offer an even broader range of services and capabilities to its Italian clients and partners.