Edinburgh-based investment giant Baillie Gifford has opened its first client office in mainland Europe — in Frankfurt — as part of plans for continued growth in the region.

David Gaschik, recently appointed Baillie Gifford’s marketing director for Germany and Austria, will be based at the new office in Frankfurt.

“The office will provide a gateway to Europe for the firm, with additional salespeople joining the team later this year,” said Baillie Gifford.

“This follows the opening of a Dublin office in March this year.”

Baillie Gifford currently has 35 clients in 12 European countries.

Baillie Gifford employs 1,155 people and has assets under management of €224.8 billion.

The firm is headquartered in Edinburgh with offices in New York, Hong Kong, Dublin, Poland, London and Frankfurt.

Andrew Telfer, joint senior partner, Baillie Gifford said: “Building Baillie Gifford in Europe will allow us to put down roots where we can be closer to our clients and support them with a depth of local expertise and stronger relationships.

“Frankfurt is just the start of this journey to extend the reach of our existing team in Edinburgh and explore opportunities across the region.”

Gaschik will look after existing relationships and drive future expansion for Baillie Gifford focusing on financial institutions and the wholesale sector.

He was previously at First State Investments where he led its German business for six years, and before that he was at UBS Germany as head of wholesale distribution. 

Gaschik will report to Gavin Scott, who leads the eight-strong LatEMEA marketing and client servicing team from Baillie Gifford’s Edinburgh office.