BNP Paribas Nabs Lombard Odier’s Head of Asian Equities

BNP Paribas Asset Management hired a trio from Lombard Odier, including a new Hong Kong-based head of Asian equities.

The French asset manager appointed Zhikai Chen as head of Asia equities, according to a statement, replacing Arthur Kwong who will leave the firm to pursue other opportunities. Chen will report to Guy Davies, global CIO for fundamental actives equities.

Chen is a 20-year veteran in the financial industry with a wide range of experience including the Monetary Authority of Singapore. He was most recently with Lombard Odier where he was its head of Asia ex-Japan equities since 2012.

Asian equities is an important asset class for our clients in the region, said Steven Billiet, APAC head of BNP Paribas Asset Management. We will also continue to focus on bringing our Asian equities capabilities to our international client base which is eager to leverage on the growth dynamic of Asia.

Joining Chen from Lombard Odier are two portfolio managers, Jinwen Ouyang and Roxy Wong.

Ouyang has 13 years of industry experience and was a portfolio manager for Asia at Lombard Odier. Previously, she had also worked with Value Partners and Société Générale.

Wong has 20 years of markets and technology experience and was most recently a senior portfolio manager for Asia at Lombard Odier. Previously, she held various tech research roles with Mirae Asset, RCM and Bear Stearns.