In September, Sofia Schrötter joined Comgest in Vienna as Investor Services & Communications Manager. The international asset management boutique specializes in equities with long-term quality growth. In May 2023, it opened its first office in Vienna, from where Gerald Pistracher, Head of Investor Relations, serves Austrian clients. Contrary to the industry trend towards centralization, Comgest consciously relies on local expertise. Only a year and a half after the opening of the Vienna office, the boutique is expanding its team with the addition of Sofia Schrötter.
Practical expertise with a versatile background
The 31-year-old communications specialist began her career in the luxury hospitality industry, where she gained experience in marketing and sales in various positions. Most recently, she worked as a Senior Consultant at the communications agency YIELD, where she managed a wide range of clients from various sectors over the course of six years, including finance, retail, real estate, telecommunications, and consumer goods. Ms. Schrötter holds a Master's degree in Media and Communication Consulting (FH St. Pölten) as well as a diploma in Performance Marketing.
Link between Investor Relations, PR, and Marketing
At Comgest, Schrötter takes on a variety of tasks at key interfaces as Investor Services & Communications Manager. She primarily supports Gerald Pistracher in client care and new customer acquisition. In addition, she is responsible for PR, marketing, and communication, acting as a hub to complete the dialogue with Austrian clients.
We spoke with Sofia Schrötter about her reasons for joining Comgest and whether transitioning into the financial industry is feasible.
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Ms. Schrötter, what motivated you to specifically apply to the international asset management boutique Comgest? Was it also influenced by how Comgest treats female employees?
For me, it was crucial that the overall picture was coherent, and corporate culture plays a central role in that. The remarkably high proportion of women – almost 50 percent across the entire team and about a third in the investment teams – is a clear sign that equality and diversity at Comgest are more than just words on paper. This culture of respect and openness particularly stood out to me in direct interactions with team members.
You already knew Comgest from your previous role...
Yes, through my previous role at the communications agency YIELD, where I worked closely with Comgest, I got to personally know some of the portfolio managers. Two things particularly impressed me: First, the clear focus. Across all strategies and departments, the employees work together towards the same goals and consistently adhere to the investment style that has made Comgest successful since 1985. Second, the humanity. The team is not only professionally outstanding but also honest and down-to-earth. Such qualities should not be underestimated in everyday work. While many companies highlight their desired values in marketing materials, the true impression is shown in how employees treat each other and external partners.
Does it matter to you that Comgest is a family-owned asset manager?
The fact that Comgest is entirely owned by its founders and employees reflects an entrepreneurial spirit that greatly appeals to me. In an environment where everyone takes responsibility and the corporate culture is genuinely lived, I find the ideal conditions to succeed and work with joy. Due to my previous collaboration with Comgest, I already had a good idea of what I was getting into and was able to make this decision consciously and confidently.
You originally come from the luxury hospitality industry. Would you say that the asset management industry is suitable for career changers?
That's correct, I originally started in luxury hospitality. However, in the past six years, I have gained agency-side experience in various sectors, including finance. Whether the asset management industry is suitable for career changers is something I can probably answer better in a few years 😊 But my first impression is very positive. Of course, entering the field initially requires a more intensive onboarding process, but once that foundation is established, different perspectives become an asset.
Moreover, I am convinced that the boundaries between disciplines and industries are increasingly blurring nowadays. What counts is the acquired skill set and the ability to apply it to new tasks. For example, the high expectations for quality and service in hospitality develop the ability to react quickly and flexibly to different situations, which is a sought-after skill in many industries.
In my new role, I appreciate the combination of the familiar and the new. While I have already gained solid experience in PR and communications, the area of Investor Services is new to me, and I look forward to diving into this topic.
What advice do you have for other career changers?
My advice to other career changers is: Dare to take the leap, work hard, build networks, and avoid comparing yourself too much to others – and if you do, remember that everyone is just doing their best. Identify mentors and observe who excels in which areas to learn from them.
Do you have an idea of what your first major project at Comgest will be? Where do you want to make an impact?
First, I want to grow in the Investor Services and Investor Relations areas and build a strong network there. After that, the plan is to create a close integration with PR and communication to optimize the holistic customer experience. Furthermore, I want to make the Comgest brand, its philosophy, and its values even more visible and recognized in the industry, as well as foster exchange with potential partners. This also involves developing new formats to ensure professional, authentic, and continuous customer communication across all segments and regions. There is already a specific project in this direction, but I can’t reveal the details just yet.
We’re curious to see what’s next! Thank you for the interview, and best of luck with your start at Comgest in Vienna!
Fotos: Linse