Axa Investment Managers (AXA IM) has appointed Ouajnat Karim as CEO of Axa IM UK Ltd and Axa IM GS Ltd, effective December 11, 2024, pending regulatory approval.
Karim will succeed Marcello Arona, who is leaving for a new role outside the firm. Alongside her new responsibilities, she will retain aspects of her current roles as global head of oversight and UK COO for Axa IM Core.
With 20 years of experience spanning alternatives, impact investing, and traditional asset classes, Karim has been with AXA IM since 2007. She became deputy COO of Core Investments in 2019 and took on her current role earlier this year. Her tenure includes being a member of the UK executive committee and serving as a non-executive director for two of Axa IM’s ICAVs (Irish Collective Asset-management Vehicles).
Ouajnat Karim began her career in 2005 at BNP Paribas as head of hedge funds operations before joining Axa IM UK in 2007. Over her 17 years at Axa, she has held several leadership roles, becoming deputy COO of Axa IM Core in 2019 and advancing to UK COO and global head of oversight in 2023. In November 2024, she was appointed CEO of Axa IM UK & GS.
Jean-Christophe Menioux, general secretary and CFO, expressed confidence in Karim’s new role, emphasising her expertise in governance, oversight, and client relations, which he believes will be pivotal in her leadership. “I am delighted that Ouajnat will be taking on this new professional endeavour within Axa IM and I trust that her extensive knowledge of the business…will be instrumental to her success in the role,” Menioux said.
Marcello Arona’s departure marks the end of his 20-year career with Axa IM. Acknowledging his contributions, Menioux extended his gratitude and best wishes for Arona’s future endeavours.
