MLC said the experienced hires will significantly strengthen their private equity offering, global investment sourcing and execution coverage to support a growing customer base.
Laura Hotaling joins the team as a portfolio manager, responsible for researching, originating, and executing fund and co-investments in the US and Europe.
MLC has highlighted her 13 years of investment management experience as key to the hire.
Ms Hotaling joins the team from New York State Teachers’ Retirement System (NYSTRS), one of the largest public pension funds in the US. She most recently acted as the firm’s chief risk officer, following eight years as a portfolio manager responsible for NYSTRS’ international private equity investments.
The second hire is Alicia Chen, joining MLC as a senior associate. Her responsibilities will be to support the origination and execution of fund and co-investments in the US and Europe.
Ms Chen’s previous role sat with AMERRA Capital Management as a private equity associate. Prior to this, she worked at UAW Medical Benefit Trust.
Thirdly, Ashini Ganesalingam also begins with the firm as a senior associate. Much like Ms Chen, she will support the origination and execution of fund and co-investments in the US and Europe.
Ms Ganesalingam joins from Aksia, where she was responsible for conducting due diligence across private equity, private credit and hedge fund commitments.
“We are delighted to have high-calibre investment professionals like Laura, Alicia and Ashini join our growing team,” said Kristian Zimmermann, Sydney-based, MLC co-head of private equity.
“They bring a range of high-quality private equity experience, that will enhance our diversity of thought and strengthen our global coverage, investment sourcing and execution capabilities.”
The appointments bring MLC’s headcount for investment professionals to 10 across the New York and Sydney offices.
“It is really exciting to welcome three such highly qualified investment professionals to our New York team,” said New York-based co-head of private equity,” Marek Herchel.
“Laura, Alicia and Ashini bring highly complementary backgrounds and skills and will further strengthen our positioning as a preferred partner to our key general partner relationships.”
The raft of appointments builds on MLCs personnel growth throughout 2021. Mr Zimmerman joined the firm earlier this year alongside Rachael Lockyer as a portfolio manager.
