Ares bolsters insurance leadership to drive growth plans

Global alternative asset manager Ares Management Corporation has appointed Raj Krishnan as partner and chief investment officer (CIO) of its insurance platform Ares Insurance Solutions (AIS).

Krishnan has more than 25 years of insurance asset management experience. He joins AIS from F&G Annuities & Life where he most recently served as executive vice president and CIO, overseeing its $28 billion investment portfolio. Prior to joining F&G in 2009, he was a vice president and portfolio manager at Wellington Management Company, where he was responsible for the management of insurance company investment portfolios.

In his new role, Krishnan will oversee insurance asset management for AIS and help optimise investment returns for its insurance clients across the Ares platform. He will also develop and execute strategic asset allocation for the company's sponsored life and annuity insurance platform, Aspida Holdings.

Additionally, pending the closing of Aspida’s acquisition of F&G Reinsurance, Krishnan will support investment management activities related to a previously announced strategic flow reinsurance agreement with F&G.

David Reilly, partner and head of AIS, said: “We are very pleased to add Raj to our team and further enhance our ability to originate and manage insurance assets as we seek to scale our platform. We have had the opportunity to develop a strong relationship with Raj over the years and have tremendous respect for him and the track record that he has established at F&G, an industry leader. We believe Raj’s significant experience in the life and annuity space will strengthen our compelling offering to existing and new insurance clients.”

Krishnan commented: “I’m very excited to be joining Ares and the AIS team because we have a shared vision for the significant business building opportunity in the life and annuity market today. I have known Ares and the AIS team for many years and I believe the extensive capabilities and differentiated expertise of the Ares platform positions us well for success. I also look forward to supporting Aspida as it executes on its growth plans, including the strategic partnership with F&G.”