Tikehau Capital brings on former French Prime Minister Francois Fillon as partner

Francois Fillon, former prime minister of France, was named a partner at Tikehau Capital, said a spokeswoman for the money manager.

The position is new, and Mr. Fillon starts Sept. 1.

His arrival will bring the number of partners to 30 at the manager with €10.3 billion ($12.1 billion) in assets under management.

The spokeswoman said in an email that the firm will benefit from Mr. Fillon's experience in France and internationally, acquired during his political career. He was prime minister from 2007 to 2012.

Mr. Fillon will play a central role in the firm's international development. One of the company's strategic priorities is international expansion. Tikehau Capital already has a presence in seven countries and plans to accelerate the opening of offices and the development of its activities internationally, said the spokeswoman. "In addition, (his) in-depth knowledge of French and European economic issues will allow Tikehau to further establish the role the group plays in the financing of French" small and very small enterprises.

Mr. Fillon most recently ran as a candidate in the 2017 French presidential election.