Sustainable investment manager Downing LLP has appointed Karl Smith as a partner in its Energy & Infrastructure team.

Karl joins Downing from Macquarie Asset Management where he was a Managing Director and led a team focused on a dedicated renewable energy fund and broader energy transition activities in Europe. Karl will work closely with Tom Williams, the head of Downing’s Energy & Infrastructure team, to accelerate the continuing expansion of the business.

Karl has over 23 years’ experience in infrastructure investment and a strong track record of completing deals and successful fundraisings across a wide range of infrastructure and energy sectors on multiple continents. He has extensive experience in acquiring, developing, and managing growth businesses and associated greenfield and brownfield assets.  

Downing’s Energy & Infrastructure team has been investing in the clean energy transition for over a decade and has made more than 180 investments in the solar, wind, hydropower, battery storage and flexible generation sectors in the UK and Europe during that time. The team of c.60 people supports projects at all stages of their development from pre-construction through to mature operations, and has proven experience in managing complex contractual, technical and legal considerations within renewable energy infrastructure investment.

Tom Williams, Partner, Head of Energy & Infrastructure, Downing LLP said: “Karl brings over two decades of experience in infrastructure investment to our team and joins us after successfully building a dedicated renewables business over the past 10 years. He is a superb addition to our partnership and his appointment underscores the strength of our ambitions for our team.”

Karl Smith said: “I am thrilled to be joining Downing as the partnership continues to grow from strength to strength, expanding its footprint as a leading investor in the energy transition space.”

Find out more about our infrastructure asset management team.