BlueOrchard Finance Ltd (“BlueOrchard”), a leading global impact investment manager and member of the Schroders Group, today announces a strategic expansion of its business development leadership. Lucas van Berkestijn has been appointed as Global Head of Business Development, further re-enforcing BlueOrchard’s client-centric approach and deepening client relationships across both private and public markets.
With more than 30 years’ experience in capital raising across public and private markets, Lucas brings a proven track record in mobilising and deploying capital toward high-impact solutions. In this role, he will drive BlueOrchard’s business development initiatives, supporting the firm’s ambition to scale its impact and deliver value across a growing investor base.
Lucas joins BlueOrchard from SUSI Partners, where he was Head of Fundraising and Clients for the Benelux, Nordics, and UK regions, focusing on institutional investors. He has also held senior roles amongst others at RobecoSAM, STOXX Ltd, and ABN AMRO.
Reporting to BlueOrchard’s CEO Michael Wehrle, Lucas will play a central role in accelerating BlueOrchard’s global growth, further expanding the firm’s reach, and strengthening its position as a trusted partner to institutional investors seeking impact-focused solutions.
Michael Wehrle, CEO of BlueOrchard, said:
“We are pleased to welcome Lucas to the BlueOrchard team. His breadth of experience and robust industry relationships position us to further meet the rising institutional demand for sophisticated impact strategies. Lucas’ appointment underscores our ongoing commitment to excellence, innovation, and meaningful partnerships that deliver long-term value for our investors.”
Lucas van Berkestijn, Global Head of Business Development at BlueOrchard, commented:
“It is an honor to join the market leader in impact investing. BlueOrchard’s strong brand, established credibility, reputation for excellence, and long-standing track record in delivering and reporting real impact are highly compelling. I look forward to contributing to BlueOrchard’s continued growth and to delivering measurable impact with attractive returns for our investors.”
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For more information please contact:
Tahmina Theis, Head of Communications
+41 22 59 64 769
tahmina.theis@blueorchard.com
About BlueOrchard Finance Ltd
BlueOrchard is a leading global impact investment manager and member of the Schroders Group. As a pioneer of impact investing, the firm is dedicated to generating lasting positive impact for communities and the environment, while aiming at providing attractive returns to investors. BlueOrchard was founded in 2001, by initiative of the UN, as the first commercial manager of microfinance debt investments worldwide. Today, the firm offers impact investment solutions across asset classes, connecting millions of entrepreneurs in emerging and frontier markets with investors with the aim to make impact investment solutions accessible to all and to advance the conscious use of capital. Being a professional investment manager and expert in innovative blended finance mandates, BlueOrchard has a sophisticated international investor base and is a trusted partner of leading global development finance institutions. As of June 2025, BlueOrchard supported over 280 million people in emerging and frontier markets with its investments. For additional information, please visit: www.blueorchard.com.
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