Pemberton Hires CLO Head to Grow Platform

Pemberton Asset Management is bolstering its European collateralised loan obligation (CLO) capabilities with the appointment of Dominic Courtman as managing director and head of its CLO group. This strategic move signals the firm's commitment to expanding its already substantial €1.6 billion CLO platform, known as Indigo, which focuses on actively managed portfolios of European leveraged loans.

Courtman, a seasoned credit professional with over three decades of experience in leveraged credit, portfolio management, and corporate finance, is set to join Pemberton in January 2027. His extensive background includes a significant tenure at Investcorp, where he served as managing director, deputy chief investment officer, and senior portfolio manager. In that role, he was instrumental in overseeing the firm’s European CLOs and closed-ended credit funds, demonstrating a proven track record in managing complex credit vehicles.

The appointment comes as Pemberton's Indigo CLO platform has achieved significant scale since its inception. The platform has successfully issued multiple CLOs, including Indigo III and Indigo IV during 2025, alongside a repricing of Indigo I. This growth underscores the increasing demand for sophisticated credit solutions within the European market, a trend supported by the broader expansion of private credit strategies seeking yield in a dynamic interest rate environment.

Pemberton's CLO strategy is built on a foundation of rigorous fundamental credit analysis, coupled with astute portfolio construction and proactive risk management. This approach is integrated into the firm's wider multi-strategy private credit business, positioning it to capitalize on diverse opportunities within the European credit markets. The firm's focus on broadly syndicated European leveraged loans reflects a strategic bet on the resilience and potential of this asset class.

Courtman's arrival will see him succeed Rob Reynolds, who is stepping down after nearly five years at the helm of Pemberton's CLO division. Reynolds is transitioning to pursue personal interests, including writing, and to spend more time with his family. Until Courtman officially assumes his duties, Jay Daryanani, managing director and deputy head of CLOs, will lead the team, ensuring a seamless leadership transition.

The European CLO market has seen robust activity, with issuance levels reflecting strong investor appetite for securitized credit products. Managers like Pemberton are actively seeking experienced leadership to navigate this competitive space and drive further growth. Courtman's expertise is expected to be crucial in enhancing Pemberton's market position and further developing its innovative CLO strategies amidst evolving regulatory and economic conditions.