Helma Verkouw
About Helma Verkouw
Helma Verkouw serves as the Head of Relationship Management Northern Europe at Russell Investments, a position she has held since 2019. With a background in investment management and pension insurance spanning over 22 years, she has previously worked at Achmea, F&C, and Centraal Beheer Achmea.
Current Role at Russell Investments
Helma Verkouw serves as the Head of Relationship Management Northern Europe at Russell Investments. She has held this position since 2019, operating out of Seattle, Washington, United States. In this role, she focuses on managing relationships with institutional clients across Northern Europe, leveraging her extensive experience in investment management and client portfolio management.
Previous Experience in Asset Management
Before joining Russell Investments, Helma Verkouw worked at Achmea as an Institutional Asset Manager from 1997 to 2001. She also held the position of Senior Relationship Manager for the Institutional Business at F&C from 2001 to 2006. Additionally, she worked as a Management Trainee and Sales Manager for Pension Plans at Centraal Beheer Achmea from 1993 to 1996. These roles contributed to her comprehensive understanding of the asset management industry.
Educational Background
Helma Verkouw studied at the University of Amsterdam, where she earned a Master's degree in Economics from 1988 to 1992. She also holds multiple Bachelor's degrees, including Business Studies from Fachhochschule Osnabrück (1986-1987), Banking from NHL Stenden (1985-1988), and Banking from the Business School of Economics (heao) in the Netherlands, where she studied from 1985 to 1998. Her educational background provides a solid foundation for her career in finance and investment management.
Industry Expertise and Network
With over 22 years of experience in investment management and pension insurance, Helma Verkouw has developed an extensive industry network within the Dutch, German, and Nordic pension fund sectors. Her expertise includes transition management and Dutch equity portfolio management, which enhances her capability to serve institutional clients effectively.
Leadership in Sustainability Initiatives
Helma Verkouw co-founded the Russell Global Sustainability Council in 2009 and has been a lead member since its inception. This council focuses on promoting responsible investment practices and sustainability within the investment management industry, reflecting her commitment to integrating sustainability into financial decision-making.