Article
Davidson Kempner Hires Portfolio Manager to Lead Its New European CLO Management Business
Davidson Kempner Capital Management has hired Chris Symonds as portfolio manager for its new European CLO platform, according to market sources. Symonds was previously senior portfolio manager at AXA Investment Managers, which was recently renamed BNP Paribas Asset Management.
Octus first reported Davidson Kempner’s intention to begin a CLO business in November 2025.
Symonds spent over seven years at CQS Asset Management, which he departed in 2018 after serving as portfolio manager for over three years. He joined AXA Investment Managers in November 2019, where he has since served as a senior portfolio manager. He previously held roles at RBS and Barclays.
The move follows Yannick Le Serviget’s departure from AXA Investment Managers, where he led global CLO issuance. Le Serviget left to join Squarepoint Capital earlier this year. Francois Touati took over Le Serviget’s former seat.
A spokesperson for Davidson Kempner declined to comment. BNP Paribas Asset Management did not respond to a request for comment.
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