Downing LLP, a sustainable investment manager, has announced the appointment of Karl Smith as a new partner in its Energy & Infrastructure team. This move is set to further bolster Downing's reputation as one of the most prominent players in the sector.
Smith, who has over 23 years of experience in infrastructure investment, will be joining the firm from Macquarie Asset Management, where he served as Managing Director, leading a team focused on a renewable energy fund and broader energy transition activities in Europe. At Downing, Smith will work alongside Tom Williams, the head of the Energy & Infrastructure team, to accelerate the firm's growth trajectory.
According to Downing, Smith has a strong track record of successful fundraisings and deal completions across a range of infrastructure and energy sectors on multiple continents. He is known for his expertise in acquiring, developing, and managing growth businesses, including greenfield and brownfield assets.
See also: Downing Acquires 6 GWh Norwegian Hydro Plant in £3 Million Sustainable Investment Deal
Williams welcomed the new partner, saying: “Karl brings over two decades of experience in infrastructure investment to our team and joins us after successfully building a dedicated renewables business over the past 10 years. He is a superb addition to our partnership and his appointment underscores the strength of our ambitions for our team.”
With this latest appointment, Downing is clearly positioning itself for a period of sustained growth in the renewable energy sector, which is set to be a major driver of the global economy in the coming years. As the world shifts towards sustainable energy sources, Downing is well-placed to lead the charge in this vital area, and Karl Smith's appointment is a clear signal of their intent to do so.
