Our analysts are recognised leaders in their field, with industry experience, deep relationships, and a lifelong commitment to their research sectors.
Richard Kramer
Senior Analyst
Richard Kramer
Senior Analyst
Richard is the main founder of Arete (formed in 2000), the pioneer of the independent equity research space (prior to the Wall Street scandals of 2001-2003) and is based in London. For over 20 years he has focused on the wider mobile internet space, including smartphones, digital consumer products, advertising technology and other internet services. He is a frequent and highly rated speaker at industry conferences, known for his frank dissection of industry hype and willingness to offer critical as well as positive comments on leading tech companies. Prior to founding Arete, Richard was for four years #1 ranked technology analyst in Europe at Goldman Sachs, and prior to that, worked for Nortel and at a prestigious Columbia University economics think tank.
Email: richard.kramer@arete.net
Phone: +44 (0)20 7959 1303 Coverage
Bio
Brett Simpson
Senior Analyst
Brett Simpson
Senior Analyst
Brett is a co-founder of Arete (formed in 2000) and is based in the firm's London office. He focuses on the global semiconductor component sector. Brett is a regular public speaker at industry events and after 17 years looking at the sector, has a wealth of experience to draw on. Prior to Arete, Brett spent two years at Goldman Sachs in an equity analyst role, specialising in European technology following three years with Ericsson UK, working in business development, covering all aspects of wireline and wireless telecom infrastructure.
Email: brett.simpson@arete.net
Phone: +44 (0)20 7959 1320 Coverage
Bio
Adam Shepherd
Senior Analyst
Adam Shepherd
Senior Analyst
Adam is responsible for Arete's Software & IT services coverage with ~25 years industry experience both as an analyst and as a technology consultant (systems integration). Leads a five person team that has created an extensive network of CIOs, CISOs and reseller contacts. Typically have >150 direct CIO/CISO interactions each year, predominantly with Fortune 2000 enterprises. This gives Adam and the team extensive insight into software vendor performance, opportunity and competitive dynamics. Feedback is shared directly with clients via the CIO Series and embedded into company specific research. The CIO conversations span a broad range of private and listed companies giving the team a perspective well beyond its formal coverage in enterprise software. He joined Arete in 2009 and is based in London. Prior to Arete, Adam spent nine years as an analyst at Dresdner Kleinwort and BNP Paribas, specialising in European software and IT services. Before this, he worked five years in technology consulting at PA Consulting Group, developing systems across a number of infrastructure and application platforms.
Email: adam.shepherd@arete.net
Phone: +44 (0)20 7959 1311 Coverage
Bio
Andrew Beale
Senior Analyst
Andrew Beale
Senior Analyst
Andrew joined Arete in 2003 and is based in the firm's London office. He focuses on telecoms/cable in US and EU. Prior to Arete, Andrew spent nine years as an analyst at several investment banks including Deutsche Bank and UBS, specialising in wireless and UK/EU telcos. Before this, he spent a year in corporate finance at Bankers Trust, and five years consulting at PA Consulting Group to telecoms and CATV operators, banks, regulators and customers.
Email: andrew.beale@arete.net
Phone: +44 (0)20 7959 1316 Coverage
Bio
Jim Fontanelli
Senior Analyst
Jim Fontanelli
Senior Analyst
Jim is a co-founder of Arete (formed in 2000) and is based in the firm's London office. He covered semiconductors before focusing on renewables from 2008 and returned to the semiconductor space in 2015. Prior to Arete, Jim spent six years with Morgan Grenfell Asset Management, managing pan-European institutional funds, with responsibility for the technology sector investments of European equity funds totalling Euro 30bn. Before this, Jim spent two years working as a credit analyst at Royal Bank of Canada.
Email: jim.fontanelli@arete.net
Phone: +44 (0)20 7959 1312 Coverage
Bio
Louis Lardenois
Senior Analyst
Louis Lardenois
Senior Analyst
Louis joined Arete in 2016 and is based in the firm's London office. Louis is part of the Software team. Prior to joining Arete, Louis did an internship at Egerton Capital as an Equity Analyst. Louis is a graduate of the Panthéon-Assas University, with a MSc in Banking and Finance.
Email: louis.lardenois@arete.net
Phone: +44 (0)20 7959 1322 Coverage
Bio
Nam Hyung Kim
Senior Analyst
Nam Hyung Kim
Senior Analyst
Nam joined Arete in 2009 and is based in the firm's US office. Nam focuses on global memory, display, PC and battery sectors, working with Brett and Jim. Prior to Arete, Nam spent nine years with IHS (formerly iSuppli), and led IHS memory research team to become one of the highest respected research groups in the industry. Before IHS, Nam was a product engineer in technical marketing and sales at SK Hynix Semiconductor and served as logistics manager for the IBM and Sun Microsystems Worldwide accounts. Nam earned his MBA at Carnegie Mellon University. He is a CFA charter holder and is FINRA Series 7, 24, 86, and 87 registered.
Email: nam.kim@arete.net
Phone: +1 424 228 7914 Coverage
Bio
Rocco Strauss
Senior Analyst
Rocco Strauss
Senior Analyst
Rocco joined Arete in 2014 and is based in the firm's London office. Rocco is part of the internet and ad-tech team. Prior to joining Arete, Rocco worked at HSBC as an equity research analyst, with a strategy and quant focus, and for UBS in small and mid-cap research. Rocco is a graduate of the Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences, with a BSc in Business Administration.
Email: rocco.strauss@arete.net
Phone: +44 (0)20 3934 0019 Coverage
Bio
Alex Pound
Analyst
Alex Pound
Analyst
Alex joined Arete in 2021 and is based in the firm's London office. He is part of the telcos, cable & media team. Prior to joining Arete, Alex worked for three years at Ruffer Investment Management as an Investment Associate. Alex graduated from Durham University with a BA in Economics.
Email: alex.pound@arete.net
Phone: +44 (0)20 7959 1307 Coverage
Bio
Blair Botha
Analyst
Blair Botha
Analyst
Blair joined Arete in 2021 and is based in the firm's London office. She is part of the Semiconductors research team, working with Brett, Jim and Nam. Prior to joining Arete, Blair completed her ACA at KPMG. Blair graduated from the University of Stellenbosch with a Bcomm in Investment Management.
Email: blair.botha@arete.net
Phone: +44 (0)20 7959 1314 Coverage
Bio
David Mak
Analyst
David Mak
Analyst
David joined Arete in 2021 and is based in the firm's London office, working as part of the Internet Research team. Prior to joining Arete, David worked at Liberum and Deutsche Bank. David graduated from The London School of Economics (LSE) with a BSc in Economics and is a CFA Charterholder.
Email: david.mak@arete.net
Phone: +44 (0)20 7959 1304 Coverage
Bio
Ellie Bagshaw
Analyst
Ellie Bagshaw
Analyst
Ellie joined Arete in 2021 and is based in the firm's London office. She is part of the Software research team, focusing on Cyber Security, working with Adam, Louis and Lucy. Prior to joining Arete, Ellie worked at the commercial real estate firm Telereal Trillium as a Business Modelling Analyst. Ellie graduated from the University of Oxford with a BA in Chemistry.
Email: ellie.bagshaw@arete.net
Phone: +44 (0)20 7959 1324 Coverage
Bio
Alexi De Unger
Analyst
Alexi De Unger
Analyst
Alexi joined Arete in 2023 and is based in the firm's London office. He is part of the Semiconductor's research team, working with Brett, Jim, and Nam. Alexi graduated from the University of Exeter with a BSc in Economics with Politics.
Email: alexi@arete.net
Phone: +44 (0)20 7959 1318 Coverage
Bio
Elisha Simonetti
Analyst
Elisha Simonetti
Analyst
Elisha joined Arete in 2021 and is based in the firm's London office. He is part of the software team, working with Adam, Louis, Ellie and Lucy. Prior to joining Arete, Elisha interned at a private equity company. Elisha graduated from the University of Nottingham with a BSc in Economics.
Email: elisha.simonetti@arete.net
Phone: +44 (0)20 7959 1310 Coverage
Janco Venter
Analyst
Janco Venter
Analyst
Janco joined Arete in 2023 and is based in Cape Town. He is part of the Semiconductor's research team, working with Brett, Jim, and Nam. Janco graduated from the University of Stellenbosch with a bachelors degree in Investment Management, and continued to get his dual MSc and Master in Finance and Investments from the London School of Business and Finance.
Email: janco.venter@arete.net
Phone: +44 (0)20 7959 1326 Coverage
Bio
Oliver Lester
Analyst
Oliver Lester
Analyst
Oliver joined Arete in 2022 and is based in the firm's London office, working as part of the Internet Research team. Prior to joining Arete, Oliver worked at PwC, where he qualified as a chartered accountant (ACA). Oliver graduated from the University of Warwick with a BSc in Economics.
Email: oliver.lester@arete.net
Phone: +44 (0)20 7959 1305 Coverage
Bio
Pierre-Marie D'Ornano
Analyst
Pierre-Marie D'Ornano
Analyst
Pierre-Marie joined Arete in 2022 and is based in the firm's London office. He is part of the Telecommunications & Media team, working with Alex and Andrew. Prior to joining Arete, Pierre-Marie worked at Groupama Asset Management as an Equity Analyst. He graduated from UCL with a BSc in Economics & Geography and London Business School with an MSc in Management.
Email: p.dornano@arete.net
Phone: +44 (0)20 7959 1319 Coverage
Bio
Shawn Yang
Analyst
Shawn Yang
Analyst
Shawn Yang has extensive experience in the internet industry and investment banking. Shawn joined Arete in 2023. Before that, he covered China and Asian internet sector at Blue Lotus Research Institute for eight years. Shawn has been frequently interviewed by financial medias like Bloomberg, WSJ, and CNBC. Prior to that, Shawn served as the director of strategy for China Mobile Games and Entertainment Group, and product coordinator of Riot Games. Shawn also has worked for HSBC Asset Management and Goldman Sachs. Shawn graduated from Tsinghua University with a bachelor's degree and received his master's degree from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.
Email: shawn.yang@arete.net
Phone: +852 2541 5550 Coverage
Bio
Chris Bishop
Head of European Equity Sales
Chris Bishop
Head of European Equity Sales
Chris joined Arete in August 2022 and is based in the firm's London office. Chris heads the European Equity Sales desk, servicing Arete's European institutional clients. Prior to joining Arete, Chris spent 13 years in Global Equity Sales at Aviate Global, Mirabaud and latterly Goodbody. Chris graduated from Durham University with a degree in Politics, and is Finra Series 7 and 63 registered.
Email: chris.bishop@arete.net
Phone: +44 (0)20 7959 1315
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Robert Merrill
Head of US Equity Sales
Robert Merrill
Head of US Equity Sales
Robert joined Arete in 2020 and is based in the firm's Dallas office. He is the President and Chief Compliance Officer of Arete Research LLC and heads the US sales desk. Robert services Arete's institutional clients throughout the US. Prior to Arete, Robert spent eleven years in equity sales roles with investment banks LLC in New York and Dallas. Robert holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Texas State University, and is FINRA Series 7, 66, 24 registered.
Email: robert.merrill@arete.net
Phone: +1 617 357 4801
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Sean Alexander
Head of Asia-Pacific Sales
Sean Alexander
Head of Asia-Pacific Sales
Sean has over seventeen years experience in Asia's financial markets. Prior to joining Arete, he worked as an Asian equities sales person for Macquarie, Merrill Lynch, and Deutsche Bank. He has worked in Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam and is conversant in Mandarin and Thai. Sean has an MBA and BS from Cornell University. In his spare time, he trains for IRONMAN races, plays rugby, teaches Scuba Diving, and sails.
Email: sean.alexander@arete.net
Phone: +852 2541 5559
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Bryan Earley
Sales - US
Bryan Earley
Sales - US
Bryan joined Arete's US sales team in 2021 and has over 20 years of experience in Capital Markets. Prior to joining Arete, he spent 14 years at JNK Securities Corp, another independent Tech, Media & Telecom focused research house. Bryan holds a BA in Economics & Environmental Science from St. Lawrence University and is FINRA Series 7 and 63 registered.
Email: bryan.earley@arete.net
Phone: +1 857 317 6700
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Chris O'Connor
Sales - US
Chris O'Connor
Sales - US
Chris joined Arete in 2018 and is based in the firm's Boston office, where he works on the US Sales desk servicing Arete's institutional clients throughout the United States. Prior to Arete, Chris spent three years at Manulife working in their Retirement Consulting Group as well as Merrill Lynch on a private wealth management team. Chris holds a bachelor's degree in history from Northeastern University and is FINRA Series 7, 66, 24 registered.
Email: chris.oconnor@arete.net
Phone: +1 857 317 6706
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Stephen Bowler
Sales - US
Stephen Bowler
Sales - US
Steve joined Arete in 2018 and is based in the firm's Boston office, covering US-based clients. Prior to Arete, Steve spent two years at BMO Capital Markets and six years at Jefferies covering Boston-based institutional and hedge fund clients. Steve holds a BA in Economics from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and is FINRA Series 7 and 63 registered.
Email: stephen.bowler@arete.net
Phone: +1 857 317 6705
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Rob Keith
Sales - Europe
Rob Keith
Sales - Europe
Rob joined Arete in January 2023 and is based in the firm's London office. Rob sits on the European Equity Sales desk, servicing Arete's European institutional clients. Prior to joining Arete, Rob spent three years in sales at Mirabaud and has previously worked in Hong Kong. Rob holds a BSc from University of Birmingham and a Masters in Management from Durham University.
Email: rob.keith@arete.net
Phone: +44 (0)20 7959 1323
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Allison Kraver
Supervisory Analyst
Allison Kraver
Supervisory Analyst
Allison joined Arete in 2024 as firm's Supervisory Analyst and is based in New York. She brings 20+ years of experience as a supervisory analyst and editor in securities research at several global investment houses. Most recently, Allison worked at boutique firm China Renaissance and prior to that with the EMEA research team at JPMorgan Securities. She is a graduate of New York University with a BA in Politics and is Series 16 registered.
Email: allison.kraver@arete.net
Phone: +1 973 218 5088
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Charlotte Gray
Research Operations – Software
Charlotte Gray
Research Operations – Software
Charlotte joined Arete in 2024 and is based in the firm's London office. She is a part of the Software team, working alongside Adam, Louis, Ellie, Elisha, and Lucy. Charlotte is responsible for supporting Lucy in managing the firm’s CIO network, analyst outreach and other aspects of Research Operations for the team. She graduated from the University of Leeds in 2023 with a BA in International Development.
Email: charlotte.gray@arete.net
Phone: +44 (0)20 7959 1321
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Emma Hessay
Research Operations – Semiconductors and Sales
Emma Hessay
Research Operations – Semiconductors and Sales
Emma joined Arete in 2020 and is based in the firm's London office. She leads Research Operations for the Semiconductors Team, supporting research production, travel and managing the outreach for the analysts. Previously Emma has worked as the office assistant at Arete and in the hospitality sector as a PA for 3 years.
Email: emma.hessay@arete.net
Phone: +44 (0)20 7959 1325
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Isabelle Doran
Office Manager & Team Assistant
Isabelle Doran
Office Manager & Team Assistant
Isabelle joined Arete in 2023 and is based in the firm's London office. Isabelle is responsible for running the office, travel management and assisting the Internet and Telecommunications teams. Prior to joining Arete, Isabelle worked as a PA in bespoke furniture design, an analytical chemist at a drug development lab, and a qualified secondary school & A-level Science teacher.
Email: isabelle.doran@arete.net
Phone: +44 (0)20 7959 1313
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Julia Ashworth
CFO & COO & Compliance
Julia Ashworth
CFO & COO & Compliance
Julia joined Arete in January 2011 and is based in the firm's London office. Julia is the Chief Operating Officer and Finance Director for the firm. Prior to joining Arete, Julia spent fifteen years at Rothschild Investment Bank, latterly as global finance director and UK COO. Before that Julia was a financial advisory banker at Rothschild with a focus on financial services companies. Julia qualified as an ACA at PWC. Julia graduated from Southampton University with a BSc in Mathematics and Statistics.
Email: julia.ashworth@arete.net
Phone: +44 (0)20 7959 1317
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Lucy Hewetson
Research Operations – Software
Lucy Hewetson
Research Operations – Software
Lucy joined Arete in 2018 and is based in the firm's London office. Lucy leads Research Operations for the Software team, managing the CIO network and additionally writing of reports. Lucy also assists with research production, travel, and managing outreach for the analysts.
Email: lucy.hewetson@arete.net
Phone: +44 (0)20 7959 1309
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Nick Hart
IT Infrastructure Engineer
Nick Hart
IT Infrastructure Engineer
Nick joined Arete in 2021 and is based in the London office. Nick is head of IT with over twenty years' experience and manages the firm's global IT infrastructure. Prior to joining Arete, Nick held senior IT roles at companies including Deloitte, Eurostar and QUANTIQ.
Email: nick.hart@arete.net
Phone: +44 (0)20 7959 1308
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Nil Karavadara
DevOps Engineer
Nil Karavadara
DevOps Engineer
Nil joined Arete in 2020 and is based in the firm's London office. Nil is responsible for developing and maintaining systems used internally at Arete. Nil holds a PhD in Computer Science from The University of Hertfordshire.
Email: nil@arete.net
Phone: +44 (0)20 7959 1306
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Yan Li
Office Manager - Hong Kong
Yan Li
Office Manager - Hong Kong
Yan joined Arete in 2023 and is based in the firm's Hong Kong office. Yan is responsible for compliance administration, also office admin and travel management. Prior to joining Arete, Yan worked at HSBC and KPMG China. Yan graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) from Curtin University.
Email: yan.li@arete.net
Phone: +852 2541 5550
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Zahra Elmoudni
Operations Director
Zahra Elmoudni
Operations Director
Zahra joined Arete in 2001 and is based in the firm's London office. Zahra is responsible for operations in London and Hong Kong. Zahra also manages client accounts in Europe, US and Asia. Prior to joining Arete, Zahra worked for four years in the marketing sector, and working overseas as a coordinator for a private charity.
Email: zahra.elmoudni@arete.net
Phone: +44 (0)20 7959 1302
xGet in touch with us today via our quick contact form or by calling the appropriate office via the numbers below.
Arete Research,
First Floor, 10 Ely Place,
London, EC1N 6RY,
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 207 959 1300
Arete Research,
1309 Walmsley Ave
Dallas, TX 75208
United States
Tel: +1 617 357 4800
Arete Research,
Floor 8, 101 Arch Street
Boston, MA 02110
United States
Tel: +1 617 357 4800
Arete Research,
Room 3573, Lv 35,
Infinitus Plaza,
199 Des Voeux Road Central,
Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2541 5550