Infracapital, M&G’s infrastructure private equity investment arm within its £81bn ($109bn) private markets division, has announced the appointment of John Bruen to lead the business. He will join on 1 September, reporting to Emmanuel Deblanc, chief investment officer, private markets at M&G Investments.

Bruen (pictured) has more than 25 years of international infrastructure investment experience. He joins from H.I.G. Capital where, as managing director and partner, he helped establish the firm’s infrastructure platform and raise its inaugural $1.3bn value-add infrastructure fund, according to a statement by M&G.

He also has extensive experience investing in and managing portfolio companies in the infrastructure industry having worked at Macquarie Asset Management and Ferrovial Airports previously.

Emmanuel Deblanc, chief investment officer, private markets at M&G Investments, said: “John is a highly respected leader in the infrastructure industry with an outstanding record of investing in and growing businesses. His combination of investment and leadership experience, along with deep industry relationships, makes him exceptionally well positioned to lead Infracapital through its next phase of growth as demand for investment in essential infrastructure continues to grow across Europe.”

Bruen succeeds Martin Lennon, who is retiring after more than 36 years in the industry. Since co-founding Infracapital in 2001, he led its growth as a mid-market infrastructure investor. Infracapital raised more than £9bn across a series of funds investing in essential infrastructure throughout Europe through public-private partnerships, brownfield infrastructure assets and greenfield development across the energy, digital infrastructure, transport and utilities sectors.

Deblanc added: “I would like to thank Martin for his remarkable contribution to our business over the last 28 years. Through his leadership, Infracapital has established itself as a trusted partner to investors and portfolio companies alike, whilst playing a pivotal role in shaping the infrastructure investment industry in Europe.”

“He will remain actively involved during the leadership transition, working closely with the team to ensure a seamless handover and continuity for clients and stakeholders.”