Scottish asset manager Baillie Gifford is opening a branch in the Netherlands as part of plans for continued growth in Europe. The firm distinguishes itself with a successful long-term growth investment approach, backing transformational companies worldwide over five to ten
years or more.
Recently appointed head of Benelux, Wim de Ruijter, is based at the new office in Amsterdam. As an expert in sales and distribution in the Benelux region, he will look after existing relationships and drive future expansion for Baillie Gifford, focusing on financial institutions, pension funds, fiduciary managers, family offices and the wholesale sector. Wim was previously at T. Rowe Price working with European institutional and intermediary clients for over nine years.
Founded in 1908 in Edinburgh, Scotland, Baillie Gifford is an independent global investment partnership, wholly owned by partners who all work at the firm. The partnership is unique for an asset management firm of this size and longevity – with purely organic growth over 112 years, no mergers or acquisitions
The investment managers look for companies early in the business cycle that have exceptional growth potential due to their innovative business model or disruptive technologies. Baillie Gifford describes itself as an ‘actual investor’, funding and supporting companies that will drive the economy forward, address challenges or contribute to society, providing services and products that we need and use.
Baillie Gifford employs 1,630 people, including 47 partners, across 11 locations: Edinburgh, Amsterdam, Dublin, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, Krakow, London, New York, Shanghai, Toronto and Zurich. Assets under management amount to €400 billion (at 31 Dec 2021). Over 100 clients have been with the firm for 20 years or more, and one client for over 100 years.
Wim de Ruijter, country manager Benelux:
“Baillie Gifford has a reputation for being early and supportive backers of extraordinary companies, both listed and private, that can experience considerable sustainable growth over decades. But investing in this way requires patience and conviction. Our investment managers look at a company’s future potential rather than current earnings, ignoring short-term market noise and quarterly results. I believe this investment horizon is aligned well with the Dutch pension and investing market, and our objective is to create more awareness in the Benelux of this approach.”
Stuart Dunbar, partner:
“Opening in the Netherlands is another step in the journey to extend the reach of our team in Edinburgh and explore opportunities across Europe. Having a team based in Amsterdam allows us to put down roots where we can be closer to our Benelux clients and support them with a depth of local expertise and stronger relationships. This business strategy for Europe echoes the way we invest, aiming to build enduring partnerships over many years.”
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