Robert Leitz
Robert Leitz | |
|---|---|
| Born | |
| Education | University of St. Gallen, University of California Berkeley, and Columbia University |
| Occupation | Investment manager |
| Known for | Founder and managing director of iolite Capital |
| Children | 2 |
Robert Leitz is a Swiss investment manager and the founder and managing director of iolite Capital, an investment firm based in Freienbach, Switzerland, specializing in equity investments.
Leitz is known for managing a concentrated portfolio of global holdings, focusing on undervalued companies with significant long-term growth potential. Under his leadership, iolite Capital has reportedly achieved annualized returns exceeding 15%.[1]
Early life and education
[edit]Leitz earned a Master of Science in Business Administration and Economics from the University of St. Gallen. He completed his master's thesis under the guidance of Professor Eli Noam at Columbia University. His thesis focused on peer-to-peer networks, including a discussion of digital payment systems that closely resembled what later became cryptocurrencies.[2]
Career
[edit]Leitz began his career as a management consultant at KPMG Corporate Restructuring, advising distressed companies on operational and financial turnarounds. He then joined Goldman Sachs’ European Special Situations Group as an investment analyst, focusing on proprietary and complex investments.[3]
He later became a founding member of TPG Credit (now Castlelake), a multi-billion-dollar credit opportunities hedge fund launched in partnership with private equity firm TPG. Before establishing iolite Capital, he held a position at Glencore, the world’s largest commodity trader.[4]
In 2011, Leitz established iolite Capital in Freienbach, Switzerland. The firm pursues a disciplined, value-driven approach, taking strategic stakes in undervalued companies. Leitz’s investment philosophy has been covered in outlets like Forbes and IntraFish.[5][6]
Leitz has been an attendee of many investor conferences, such as ValueX Klosters, where he has shared his insights on investing and companies.[7][8]
Publicly disclosed investments
[edit]Jumbo Interactive (2012): iolite Capital acquired a stake in this Australian digital lottery retailer during a period of international expansion challenges. Leitz backed CEO Mike Veverka’s strategy, contributing to a turnaround that saw Jumbo’s market capitalization rise from A$50 million in 2012 to A$1.1 billion by mid-2019.[9][10]
Bakkafrost (2018): Leitz endorsed this Faroese salmon farming company for its organic growth and high returns, as noted in Forbes and IntraFish. His analysis proved accurate, with Bakkafrost’s share price doubling within two years.[5][11]
Dynacor Group (2024): iolite Capital took a 10% stake in this Canadian gold ore sourcing and processing company (TSX: DNG), aligning with Leitz’s focus on undervalued firms. He later called a special shareholder meeting to address governance issues and seek a board position.[12][13]
Personal life
[edit]Leitz resides in Switzerland with his wife and two children. He serves as Finance Chair for the Zurich chapter of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization and is a non-executive director at Opterion Health AG.[14]
References
[edit]- ^ "Robert Leitz: A Value Investor's Journey". ValueWalk. January 15, 2023. Retrieved March 18, 2025.
- ^ "About Us". iolite Capital. Retrieved March 18, 2025.
- ^ "Robert Leitz: A Value Investor's Journey". ValueWalk. January 15, 2023. Retrieved March 18, 2025.
- ^ "About Us". iolite Capital. Retrieved March 18, 2025.
- ^ a b "Investor Tells Forbes Why He Is Bullish on Bakkafrost". Forbes. February 15, 2018. Retrieved March 18, 2025.
- ^ "Investor Tells Forbes Why He Is Bullish on Bakkafrost". IntraFish. February 15, 2018. Retrieved March 18, 2025.
- ^ "ValueX Klosters 2022 Agenda". ValueX Klosters. Retrieved March 18, 2025.
- ^ "ValueX Klosters 2022: Insights from Top Investors". Swiss Finance Today. July 15, 2022. Retrieved March 18, 2025.
- ^ "Iolite Partners 1Q19 Commentary: Thoughts On Jumbo Interactive". ValueWalk. January 30, 2020. Retrieved March 19, 2025.
- ^ "Why Investors Are Hesitant to Play Ball with Jumbo". The Australian Financial Review. April 29, 2020. Retrieved March 19, 2025.
- ^ "Investor Tells Forbes Why He Is Bullish on Bakkafrost". IntraFish. February 15, 2018. Retrieved March 18, 2025.
- ^ "iolite Capital Boosts Stake in Dynacor Group". Yahoo Finance. April 10, 2024. Retrieved March 18, 2025.
- ^ "iolite Calls Special Meeting of Dynacor Group Shareholders". Business Wire. March 26, 2025. Retrieved March 18, 2025.
- ^ "About Us". iolite Capital. Retrieved March 18, 2025.