Aztec Group names Michael Pawlowski U.S. head of fund of funds

Aztec Group has hired Michael Pawlowski as U.S. Head of Fund of Funds, bringing nearly two decades of alternative investment operations experience to expand the firm’s U.S. platform. The move underscores Aztec’s push to strengthen specialist leadership and service delivery as private markets managers face rising operational complexity.

Why it matters: - Aztec Group is adding senior U.S. leadership in a growing private markets segment. - The hire is meant to strengthen client support as fund managers deal with more complex operating demands. - The appointment reinforces Aztec’s push toward a high-touch, high-tech service model.

What happened: - Aztec Group appointed Michael Pawlowski as U.S. Head of Fund of Funds. - Pawlowski joins from Citco, where he most recently served as Vice President, Fund Accounting. - Aztec said he will lead the company’s U.S. Fund of Funds offering and work with clients and colleagues across the business. - He will also join the U.S. leadership team and coordinate with Aztec’s global Fund of Funds team.

The details: - Pawlowski brings nearly 20 years of experience supporting alternative investment managers. - His background includes fund accounting, fund administration and client service delivery. - He graduated from the University of Delaware with an accounting degree. - Aztec said the role is focused on supporting growth and strengthening service delivery. - The company framed the hire as part of continued investment in specialist talent. - The broader strategy centers on delivering a high-touch, high-tech model for alternative investment managers.

Between the lines: - The hire signals that Aztec is competing on specialized expertise as well as technology. - The company is building out local leadership in the U.S. to support its expansion in a key market. - The appointment also suggests demand for operational support is rising alongside private markets growth. - Metz Vara, Global Head of Fund of Funds and LP Services, said Pawlowski’s experience will help strengthen the U.S. platform and support long-term growth ambitions. - Pawlowski said he is joining at a time when fund of funds managers are facing new operational demands. - Scott Kraemer, Head of Markets - U.S., said the firm’s U.S. growth depends on attracting exceptional talent and deep local expertise.

What's next: - Pawlowski is expected to help shape how Aztec supports U.S. fund of funds clients. - Aztec said the hire fits into a broader series of leadership additions focused on leadership, expertise and operational excellence. - Recent strategic hires include Global Client Relationship Lead Charina Amunategui, Chief Architect and Data Director Sangjune Park and Ruby Paramanathan as Head of Strategic Client Change. - More information is available on Aztec Group's LinkedIn page, Instagram and Facebook.

The bottom line: - Aztec Group is betting that deeper specialist leadership will help it win and retain U.S. fund of funds clients as the market becomes more operationally demanding.