Manola Perrone

Following a short career break Manola Perrone worked with The Return Hub to find her next career opportunity.

After 17 years in finance, gaining expertise in project finance, leveraged finance, and M&A, she had developed strong skills in origination, structuring, and executing new deals, as well as refinancing and restructuring projects in the infrastructure and power sectors. After relocating to London with her family, she joined FMSW (formerly Depfa Bank) in Infrastructure and Asset Finance, where she worked in Infrastructure and Renewable Energy. She then transitioned to Wells Fargo Asset Management serving as a Senior Infrastructure Debt Investment Analyst and later as a Senior Fixed Income Investment Analyst, covering transportation, airlines, infrastructure companies, and regulated utilities.

Natixis’ work with The Return Hub to attract professionals with diverse career backgrounds into senior leadership positions. The Hiring Manager for the Head of Infrastructure & Energy Finance team was looking for a talented, candidate to join his team on a contract. Manola interviewed and successfully secured the role in July 2022.

Manola made a great impression within Natixis, taking and passing her UK Financial Regulation by CISI exam in record speed, becoming Certified and registered with the FCA. She was quickly engaging with clients. She actively sought ways to contribute, improve, and enhance her skills attending various developmental sessions offered by the firm. She worked on a project where she was able to present her recommendations to senior individuals at Natixis. Her presentation received excellent feedback and helped lift her profile internally and, in December 2022, the firm offered her a permanent contract.

Ambitious, proactive, and driven, Manola is keen to keep developing her career to the next level. She sought extra responsibilities, demonstrating her capability and commitment to her manager and the senior leadership team. She engaged in and effectively executed projects beyond her usual scope and provided strategic insights to the team.  In March 2024, Manola’s efforts and drive were recognised and she was promoted to Director of Infrastructure & Finance.

Today, Manola looks forward to taking on more responsibility and excelling in her role at Natixis. She also aims to mentor new and seasoned colleagues, drawing on her own experiences and journey to guide others in their career development. Her biggest piece of advice to anyone looking to return to work or pivot careers is, “always believe in yourself, no matter what happens. It’s never too late to get to where you want to be.”