Capza has appointed Olivier Thoral as chief executive, handing him responsibility for leveraging the investment platform’s core strengths in private debt and private equity and growing its international presence.
Thoral (pictured) joined the firm in 2024 as chief operating officer (COO) and managing director, responsible for leading its cross-functional operations.
Prior to this, he was COO of the real estate and infrastructure activities at AXA IM Alts, which announced its acquisition of Capza in September 2024.
The France-headquartered alternative asset manager – itself acquired by BNP Paribas recently – will increase its stake from majority shareholder to full ownership by 2026.
Thoral brings over 25 years of experience in the alternative investment industry, including multiple leadership roles across business development in the US, and as COO and chief financial officer (CFO).
Capza believes his international background will support the firm’s European growth ambitions.
Read more: BNP Paribas forecasts 5pc revenue growth next year after AXA IM acquisition
“My priority will be to foster the company’s international business expansion as part of the new alternative asset management platform expected to be established within the BNP Paribas Group, capitalising on Capza’s unique market positioning and the strength of its teams, while preserving the entrepreneurial spirit and execution quality that define our model,” said Thoral.
In addition to leveraging the global infrastructure and proven expertise of AXA IM Alts, Thoral is charged with accelerating Capza’s development of “high-performing strategies” and build on the foundations laid by its founder Christophe Karvelis-Senn.
Additionally, Benoît Choppin – previously co-head of the flex equity strategy – has been named head of private equity at Capza.
Capza is a €9.9bn (£8.6bn) European private investment platform. Focused on small and mid-cap companies, it offers businesses financing solutions at all stages of their development, including senior and subordinated debt, and majority and minority equity.
