David Mimra has joined Galena Asset Management, a subsidiary of independent commodities trader Trafigura Group, as head of sales and marketing.

'We are delighted to welcome David to our team,' says Galena chief executive Jeremy Weir. 'His knowledge and experience in the hedge fund sector will further strengthen our ability to service clients and grow our asset management business.'

Since 2001, Mimra has been active in the hedge fund industry primarily in capital-raising roles for a variety of managers, and has been involved in manager sourcing, selection and advisory portfolios with Harbour Capital Partners, Nomos, First Avenue and Asset Alliance.

He previously covered institutional accounts for Schroders' structured products and was country head for France and the Benelux countries with Citigroup's equity derivatives team.

Established in 1993, Trafigura has 1,700 employees in 37 countries and last year generated annual turnover of USD51bn. Galena was set up in 2004 to exploit the commodities expertise within Trafigura to deliver absolute returns for hedge fund investors.

The firm has more than USD700m in assets under management in the Galena Metals Fund, Galena Special Situations Fund, Galena Malachite Fund and Galena Azurite Fund. Other funds are due to be launched in the course of next year.