Aviva Investors has poached a GAM exec to lead its global distribution.
Jill Barber will take on the role as Global Head of Distribution later this year.
This will see her leading the teams responsible for client, institutional and wealth sales activity across the UK, Europe, Asia and North America. The role will also encompass client experience as well as strategy and planning and investment and client communications.
The news comes as current distribution chief Louise Kay plans to retire at the end of this year, after eight years at Aviva and three decades in the investment management industry.
Jill joins from GAM Investments. In May, Liontrust announced plans to acquire GAM, potentially creating an asset manager with combined AUM of £53 billion.
She has 25 years of experience in investment management, including senior roles at Jupiter Asset Management, Franklin Templeton, Hermes and Fidelity.
Mark Versey, CEO of Aviva Investors, said: “[Jill’s] proven leadership skills and track record of delivering commercial growth, as well as her executive committee and board-level experience, make her an excellent addition to my leadership team and our business.
“I would also like to thank Louise Kay who has provided invaluable support to me over many years and driven the client-led agenda across the business and wish her the best for her retirement.”
Jill Barber said: “The business is uniquely placed to positively enact change and enhance client outcomes through its longstanding commitment to sustainable investment across real assets and public markets.”
