Jensen Partners, a leader in executive search and advisory for capital raising, announced the acquisition of Baier Associates (UK), an award-winning executive search and consulting firm specializing in alternative investments. The transaction marks a significant milestone in Jensen Partners’ continued expansion across EMEA, enhancing its global capabilities in capital formation, investments, and strategic advisory services.
Joining Jensen Partners as part of the acquisition is Baier Associates’ Co-Founder and CEO, Nishika Samaratunga, who will serve as Managing Director and Co-Head of EMEA. Samaratunga brings more than a decade of experience advising senior leaders across private equity, private credit, real assets, hedge funds, sovereign wealth funds, and family offices. She has played a pivotal role in helping firms identify and develop leadership talent across capital raising and investment functions.
Baier Associates has built a strong reputation in the alternatives sector, serving as a trusted advisor to private market and hedge fund clients worldwide. Most recently, the firm was named “Best Executive Search Firm” at the Hedgeweek US Awards 2025. Its client base spans Europe, North America, and Asia, with mandates ranging from front-office capital formation to board-level appointments.
Samaratunga’s appointment at Jensen Partners coincides with the firm’s broader growth trajectory, marked by a series of strategic hires and the expansion of practice areas. Over the past year, Sara Katz was appointed to lead the firm’s Junior Practice, focusing on early-career capital formation professionals, while Kevin Gurry, formerly of Selby Jennings, joined her team to strengthen the mid-level talent search practice. Cara Bianchini, who joined from Ferguson Partners, expanded the firm’s investment management coverage across the U.S. and the EMEA region. Samantha McEnery, who joined from Heidrick & Struggles, now co-leads Jensen Partners’ EMEA business alongside Samaratunga.
This acquisition follows a year of strong momentum for Jensen Partners, positioning the firm for continued growth and innovation in its human capital advisory services. The integration of Baier Associates’ expertise and global relationships reinforces Jensen Partners’ position as the most extensive executive search and advisory firm exclusively dedicated to the worldwide capital raising and investment industry.
The firm’s proprietary Jensen Insights platform remains a cornerstone of its competitive edge, offering clients detailed intelligence on team structures, LP coverage, compensation, and fundraising performance across the alternative asset landscape. This data-driven approach enables organizations to design and execute effective distribution and talent strategies that drive AUM growth.
KEY QUOTES:
“I’m delighted to be joining the Jensen Partners team to help grow the EMEA business and unlock more ways for the firm and clients to succeed. I look forward to leveraging my network, expertise, and Jensen’s unique data capabilities to deliver differentiated insights designed to help firms identify and hire the best talent for expanding and enhancing their businesses.”
Nishika Samaratunga, Managing Director & Co-Head of EMEA at Jensen Partners
“The addition of Nishika and the Baier (UK) team represents a major step forward in our EMEA expansion. Their track record and relationships across private and liquid markets complement our global platform and deepen our ability to deliver integrated executive search, market intelligence, and strategic advisory services; and we’re excited to have her on the Jensen team.”
Sasha Jensen, Founder & CEO of Jensen Partners
