Fund Manager
Pankaj Murarka is the Founder of Renaissance Investment Managers, an Alternate Investment Manager established in 2016. Mr. Murarka brings over two decades of extensive experience in equity research and fund management, distinguished by a consistent record of high performance throughout his professional journey. Prior to establishing Renaissance Investment Managers, Mr. Murarka served as the Chief Investment Officer (CIO) at Axis Mutual Fund for approximately ten years. In this capacity, he oversaw Indian equity portfolios exceeding \$5 billion. He was a key member of the founding team that launched Axis Mutual Fund in 2009, contributing significantly to its growth into a leading Asset Management Company (AMC) in India, driven by exceptional investment outcomes. He held responsibility for the performance of all equity mutual funds managed by Axis AMC. During his tenure as CIO, Axis AMC received the "Best Equity Fund House of the Year" award from Outlook Money in 2014. Further accolades include Mr. Murarka being recognized as "Best Fund Manager - Runner Up" by Outlook Money in 2014 for his management of the Axis Midcap Fund. This fund achieved a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 24% between 2011 and 2015, substantially outperforming its benchmark and ranking within the top decile in 2012 and 2013. In 2014, it was the number one performing mutual fund in India across all categories on a three-year basis. The Axis Small Cap Fund, also managed by him, was the top-performing small-cap fund in 2014, delivering returns of 84.3%. Other notable funds under his management included the Axis Equity Fund, Axis Focused 25 Fund, and the SISF- India Opportunities Fund. In 2015, Outlook Money acknowledged Mr. Murarka as a "Leading Fund Manager" for his consistent performance record over five years. Mr. Murarka also held the position of India Portfolio Manager for the Strategic Investment Group at Merrill Lynch. He managed both Long Only and Long Short Funds, which demonstrated robust performance, notably during the Global Financial Crisis of 2008. Earlier in his career, Mr. Murarka was part of the setup team at Rare Enterprises, the investment office of Rakesh Jhunjhunwala. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in executing several successful investments for the firm, generating significant returns. He also represented the firm's interests on the boards of various companies, providing guidance on capital allocation strategies. His professional background also includes experience with Motilal Oswal and UTI AMC in his early years. Across his career spanning over 25 years in public markets, Mr. Murarka has consistently delivered superior risk-adjusted returns by adhering to the investment philosophy of SQGARPTM (Sustainable Quality Growth at a Reasonable Price). He has also been instrumental in the execution of various PIPE (Private Investment in Public Equity) and Private Equity transactions. Pankaj Murarka is a Chartered Accountant, having achieved an all-India merit rank upon qualifying from the ICAI. Outside of his professional activities, he is an avid marathoner, having completed 12 half marathons and 2 ultra-half marathons/endurathons.