When it comes to the business of finance, John Hailer is one of the most well-respected minds in the industry. As CEO of Natixis Global Asset Management, he oversees one of the world’s largest asset management firms, with more than $870 billion in assets under management. In this interview, Hailer discusses his career trajectory, the current state of the global economy, and how Natixis plans to stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly changing market.

Natixis John Hailer began his career in banking, working his way up the ladder at Citibank and eventually becoming Vice Chairman of Corporate Banking. In this role, he was responsible for a $250 billion loan portfolio and oversaw Citi’s relationships with some of the world’s largest companies. He then joined Natixis in 2008, just as the global financial crisis began taking hold.

At the time, the company was facing its own set of challenges as the credit crunch put pressure on the firm’s financing activities. Hailer’s corporate banking experience proved invaluable in navigating these waters, and he was quickly promoted to CEO of Natixis Asset Management.

Under Hailer’s leadership, the company has undergone a significant transformation. The firm has divested itself of non-core businesses, such as its private equity and hedge fund divisions, and focused on its core strengths in asset management. This strategy has paid off, as the company is now one of the fastest-growing asset managers in the world.

John Hailer attributes Natixis’ success to its unique business model, giving it a global reach. The firm has offices in more than 30 countries and offers a wide range of investment solutions to meet the needs of clients around the world. This scale gives the company a distinct advantage over its competitors, who are often limited to a single country or region.

Looking ahead, Hailer is bullish on the prospects for the global economy. He believes that the current period of low-interest rates and quantitative easing is ending and that we are on the cusp of a new era of growth. As such, he is positioning the company for a future in which interest rates rise, and asset prices adjust accordingly.

In the meantime, Hailer is focused on ensuring that the company is prepared for the future. He is investing heavily in technology and data analytics, which he believes will be critical in helping the firm maintain its competitive edge. He is also committed to building a strong culture in the company that attracts and retains the best talent in the industry.

With more than 30 years of experience in the financial industry, Hailer is a true veteran of the business. He has seen firsthand how rapidly the landscape can change and is well-positioned to steer the company through whatever challenges. Under his leadership, there is no doubt that the company will continue to be a leading force in the world of asset management.