Maples Fund Services, an independent global fund services provider and a division of MaplesFS, has expanded its European operations with the hire of Steve Lewis, Director of European Business Development.

Based in London, Lewis is responsible for expanding the fund administration and middle-office businesses across the firm’s European offices.

Lewis will work closely with Scott Somerville (pictured), CEO of MaplesFS, and Toni Pinkerton, Global Head of Fund Services, as well as the Regional Heads of Fund Services for Dublin and Luxembourg to execute the firm’s business development and growth strategy.

“We continue to see managers attracted to Dublin, Luxembourg and the broader European markets,” says Pinkerton. “Steve will be able to leverage his years of experience and existing relationships to further build our presence in Europe.”

Lewis was previously at State Street Bank & Trust, where he focused on sales of administration, custody services and associated products to the UK alternative investments market. He has had significant consultancy, relationship management, technology, operations and product management experience throughout his career.

Lewis has held senior positions at a number of banks, including Deutsche Bank, where he led the Custody Services team of more than 500 people across the globe, and prior to that, was head of Product Development for Custody Services. He has also worked for ABN Amro, Bank of New York, and Investors Bank & Trust, where he developed strong relationships with hedge funds, fund of hedge funds, private equity, pension funds and sovereign wealth funds.

“I was very impressed with the management team, unique technology, and the focus on customised client services and solutions, which is very different than the 'one size fits all' mentality in the industry,” says Lewis.  “The breadth and flexibility of Maples Fund Services is a clear strength, and makes the firm highly relevant to hedge funds, private equity, pension funds and family offices.”