Bridging cultures and capital

A journey to ridge capital

A spark in New York, a path to London

“I was 13 years old when I visited my sister in New York. We walked around Wall Street and went on a tour through the New York Stock Exchange, I had no idea what finance was at the time, but I could feel the energy. That moment stuck with me.” 

That early exposure ignited curiosity. Years later, while attending high school in England, his ambition crystallized. “I was always drawn to London. There’s a unique energy here – it feels like a trading city. I knew I wanted to live and work in London one day.”  Pierre says.

His journey into finance wasn’t traditional, he studied German & Economics, not initially finance. But an internship at Deutsche Bank in 2008, right as the global financial crisis was unfolding, changed everything. “I didn’t know much about banking at the time – but I knew I wanted to. Unfortunately, when I graduated in London the following year, the market had collapsed. There were almost no jobs, no internships.”

Instead, he pivoted – back to Paris, working at Saxo Bank when the team was just 10 people. Within two years, the team had grown to 60 with over 2,000 new clients. “It was hands-on from day one. I was advising private investors in the foreign exchange market and equity derivatives such as equity index futures and contracts for difference (CFDs) helping publish the first book in France on how to trade CFDs. I probably learnt more there than I would have at a large bank.” The thrill of winning new clients and helping them design and construct their investment portfolios over time, and during various market environments, was greatly self-rewarding. Pierre was hooked. That experience inspired him to pursue a master’s in finance – and take another shot at London. After finishing his master’s in International Finance at a Business School in France Pierre joined a large asset manager in London.

Eventually he found his way to Ridge Capital, what drew him in?

“What I love about Ridge Capital’s strategy is how focused and competitive it is.” When asked by clients: what are your main differentiated factors, it is the team’s experience, strong network and focused approach which make Ridge Capital unique and so special, Pierre says. “My background and network are international, so I see my role as bridging that strategy to markets outside the region.”

Pierre explains, this dual perspective brings value – not just in the pitch, but in the way, relationships are built and maintained. When asked what defines a great investor relations professional today, Pierre doesn’t hesitate: “It’s not about finding investors – anyone can do that. It’s about earning their trust.”

That comes down to three qualities, he says:

1. Accessibility and transparency
2. Empathy and real effort
3. Being a problem-solver, not just a pitch person

“I’ve made the mistake of talking non-stop about how great our fund is, and at the end, the investor says: ‘But what’s the value in working with you?’ The real value comes from listening – from creating space for a real conversation.” That mindset is especially important as Ridge Capital expands its footprint in London. “Being the first person on the ground here, communication is everything, I make it a priority to stay in close contact with the Stockholm team – daily chats, weekly calls, regular visits. That culture of openness is what we want to build on.”

Even after just two weeks at Ridge Capital, Pierre noticed something special:

“At Ridge Capital’s National Day celebration, I met colleagues’ friends and families, and it felt personal and home-like. That kind of culture is rare and worth protecting.”

Pierre’s approach to team building is grounded in a simple principle: mutual respect and genuine investment in the people you work with. “Finance is ultimately a people business. I come from an entrepreneurial family, so I need to feel that what I do – and who I do it with really matters.”

Outside of work, balance is everything, says Pierre. He’s a runner (he aims for two marathons or trail run a year) raising for charities such as the UK Cancer Research. Running a 50 km trail run in Scotland was the highlight of his running career. Running the Tokyo marathon is a far-fetched once-in-a-lifetime ambition for someone who deeply values time outdoors. “I try to run every day. I’ve played football with the same group of guys – all from different backgrounds and horizons but all in finance – for twelve years. It keeps me grounded.”

Aside from running and skiing, Pierre enjoys hiking with his nine-year-old daughter – something that recharges his mind and body. Pierre also enjoys swimming. ” After a good run or a swim, I feel completely clear. That balance helps me stay focused in a fast-paced industry.”

In a world driven by numbers and performance, it’s easy to forget that finance is about people. Pierre hasn’t. “The biggest lesson I’ve learnt? Listen more, be open and curious, create real dialogue. That’s what builds long-term relationships – and that’s what makes the work meaningful.”