Octopus strengthens local team

Octopus Investments, the energy fund manager, has made two new appointments further strengthening its local team.

The firm, which is part of the UK-based Octopus Group, has appointed Tim Kok as head of institutional products.

Kok joins from National Australia Bank where he was an associate director in the hybrids and equity capital markets.

Before that, he worked at Quentin Ayres, the specialist asset consultant in private markets.

He joined Quentin Ayres in 2012 from AustralianSuper where he worked as an investment analyst.

Octopus has also hired Lumi Adisa as head of energy markets. Previously Adisa was head of energy market analytics at Cornwell Insight Australia.

"The announcement of these new hires is exciting and pleasing as it demonstrates our ability to attract top talent," said Dennis Freedman, the firm's investment and development head.

"We now have nearly 30 people in Australia and have ambitious plans to quickly build on the $1billion of assets we currently have under management in the country. We are ensuring our investors are "closer to the assets" by continuing to bring in the best renewable energy experts from industry."

Commenting on his appointment, Kok said he was excited to join the firm and help develop its presence in renewables.

The Octopus Group manages more than $15 billion for more than 60,000 private investors and institutions.