EMP to build fund of funds business

EMP Global, an emerging market private equity firm headquartered in Washington D.C., has appointed James Seymour, a former fund investment professional at Commonfund.

EMP is one of the largest direct investors specialising in emerging markets private equity. It currently has $7 billion under management.

Moeen Qureshi, chairman of EMP, said that Seymour’s arrival would allow the firm to complement its existing direct investment activities.

Latterly at Commonfund, Seymour was a managing director responsible for initiating and managing five private equity fund of funds combining $1.25 billion.

Prior to Commonfund, Seymour was with Bankers Trust for 18 years. During his tenure, he was involved sovereign debt rescheduling and corporate finance with multinationals in emerging markets. He has also been involved in various projects in Asia, Africa, Middle East and Latin America.