Key Takeaways
- • Tony Stenning, former CEO of Atlantic House, has joined Downing LLP as head of liquid alternatives, marking his return to active industry leadership nearly one year after departing his previous role.
- • Stenning brings over 30 years of investment industry experience to the appointment and will lead the launch of a new actively managed liquid alternatives fund at Downing.
- • Huw Price has also joined Downing in a complementary senior role as head of alternatives structuring, strengthening the firm's alternatives capabilities.
- • The new fund aims to deliver 7% to 10%+ per annum with positive returns across most market conditions, positioning Downing to expand its liquid alternatives offering.
- • The dual appointment represents a strategic expansion of Downing's alternatives platform and signals the firm's commitment to growth in the liquid alternatives space.
Summary
Tony Stenning has resurfaced in the investment industry following his appointment as head of liquid alternatives at Downing LLP, effective 26 October 2023. The move comes approximately one year after Stenning's departure from Atlantic House, where he served as chief executive. His return to a senior leadership position marks a significant hire for Downing as the firm seeks to expand its alternatives capabilities and attract institutional capital to newly launched products.
Stenning brings substantial credentials to the role, with more than three decades of experience in the investment industry. His appointment is complemented by the concurrent hiring of Huw Price as head of alternatives structuring, indicating a coordinated expansion of Downing's alternatives infrastructure. Together, the two executives are positioned to drive growth across the firm's alternatives business and establish a more robust platform for institutional clients.
A cornerstone of Stenning's mandate at Downing is the launch of a new actively managed liquid alternatives fund. The fund targets annual returns of 7% to 10%+ with the objective of delivering positive performance across most market environments—a key requirement for institutional investors seeking diversification benefits and downside protection within their alternatives allocations. This product development directly addresses demand for liquid alternatives that offer both return potential and reduced redemption friction compared to traditional hedge fund structures.
The appointment reflects ongoing consolidation and senior hiring within the alternatives asset management sector, with experienced operators like Stenning relocating to firms looking to strengthen their product pipelines and competitive positioning. For Downing, the hire signals confidence in expanding its alternatives AUM and deepening its institutional client relationships through leadership with proven track records in the sector.
Stenning brings substantial credentials to the role, with more than three decades of experience in the investment industry. His appointment is complemented by the concurrent hiring of Huw Price as head of alternatives structuring, indicating a coordinated expansion of Downing's alternatives infrastructure. Together, the two executives are positioned to drive growth across the firm's alternatives business and establish a more robust platform for institutional clients.
A cornerstone of Stenning's mandate at Downing is the launch of a new actively managed liquid alternatives fund. The fund targets annual returns of 7% to 10%+ with the objective of delivering positive performance across most market environments—a key requirement for institutional investors seeking diversification benefits and downside protection within their alternatives allocations. This product development directly addresses demand for liquid alternatives that offer both return potential and reduced redemption friction compared to traditional hedge fund structures.
The appointment reflects ongoing consolidation and senior hiring within the alternatives asset management sector, with experienced operators like Stenning relocating to firms looking to strengthen their product pipelines and competitive positioning. For Downing, the hire signals confidence in expanding its alternatives AUM and deepening its institutional client relationships through leadership with proven track records in the sector.
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