The European Fund and Asset Management Association (EFAMA) has appointed Samantha Ricciardi as president for a two-year term following its annual general meeting last week .

Ricciardi has served as the Santander Asset Management CEO since 2022 and boasts more than 25 years of international experience in various leadership roles within the asset management industry, including companies such as BlackRock, Schroders and Citi.

Ricciardi will succeed BNP Paribas Asset Management CEO, Sandro Pierri, who has held the post since 2023.

Pierri offered “warm congratulations” and “best wishes” to her successor, adding that she was confident she would lead EFAMA with “distinction,” to enable further growth and success for the European asset management industry.

Commenting on her new role, Riccardi said she would embrace the presidency with enthusiasm and a deep sense of responsibility, and she would be committed to contributing meaningfully at a "pivotal moment" for Europe.

“We face a unique opportunity to act decisively, with a clear vision and urgency,” she continued.

“Our industry needs to turn savings into productive investments, and to succeed, we need action: a true capital markets and savings and investments union, alongside a cultural shift that builds trust to invest confidently in capital markets.

"Achieving this vision will require unity and close collaboration among industry leaders, regulators, and institutions to build a stronger Europe focused on growth,” she added.

Meanwhile, Micaela Forelli has been elected as EFAMA vice-president.

She has been the M&G Investments CEO since 2023, having previously headed Global Financial Institutions and European distribution for M&G Investments since 2010.

Forelli takes over from Massimo Greco, the current JP Morgan Asset Management EMEA vice-chair.

EFAMA director general, Tanguy van de Werve, reflected on the leadership changes: “I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Sandro and Massimo for their significant impact during their presidency.

“Their leadership and dedication have been instrumental in guiding the association through economic and political transition, and they have been strong advocates for the asset management industry," he noted.

“As we move forward under new leadership, our first all-female Presidency, I am committed to building on this momentum and ensuring EFAMA continues to be the strong and effective voice of the European investment management industry, with the support of our 29 national associations and over 50 global asset managers,” he added.

Members at the AGM also elected a new board of directors for a two-year term.

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