BNP Paribas IP appoints familiar face as HK chief

BNP Paribas Investment Partners has named its Asia-Pacific deputy Jean Audibert in the additional role of Hong Kong CEO in a managed transition after an internal transfer.

The long-serving Audibert was installed in the role on May 23 to replace Vincent Trouillard-Perrot, who relocates to Sweden to become CEO of Alfred Berg, the firm’s Nordic partner, after serving in the post since October 2007.

The previous CEO of Alfred Berg, Francois Hullo, will now focus on institutional sales activity in southern Europe, having successfully worked on Alfred Berg's repositioning, the firm said.

In a statement, BNPP IP confirmed that Audibert would continue his regional duties, while a spokesman in Hong Kong added that his appointment would be long term. However, whether he has a hiring mandate is unclear as he was unavailable for interview at press time.

Audibert started to work with the BNP group in the late 1970s. Prior to becoming deputy CEO for Asia-Pacific in August last year, he worked as president of new markets for Asia based in Hong Kong, overseeing business development for BNPP IP’s joint-venture operations in Korea, China and India.

From 2005 to 2008, Audibert was board chairman and representative director of Shinhan BNP Paribas Investment Trust Management Company, a JV between Shinhan financial group and BNPP IP, based in Seoul.

Audibert reports to Stewart Edgar, BNP IP's Asia-Pacific CEO.

BNPP IP manages about €6.6 billion ($9.3 billion) in assets in Hong Kong and some €55.7 billion in Asia-Pacific, including joint-ventures. It has over 820 staff in the region, including more than 110 in Hong Kong.