Shake-up at Martin Currie as head of investment departs

Edinburgh-based wealth manager Martin Currie has today announced the departure of head of investment John Pickard and the institution of a new model of investment team leadership focused on what the firm says is the next stage of delivering the active equity specialist’s growth ambitions.

The change follows four key strategic hires at the firm since the turn of the year, including the appointment of Zehrid Osmani, as head of the global long term unconstrained team and Julian Ide as head of distribution and strategy.

The Investment Executive will be chaired by Willie Watt (CEO) who will continue to have accountability for oversight and monitoring of investment process and performance, based on Martin Currie’s existing governance model.

Oversight continues to be supported by Jeff Casson (Head of Investment Process) and Paul Hughes (Head of Investment Risk, Trading and Quant). Both are existing members of the Investment Executive.

As part of the shake-up, John Pickard, who played an important role in the development of Martin Currie’s capabilities over the last eight years, will leave the firm.

During his tenure, a substantial number of process enhancements were implemented across the investment floor.

The enhancements are credited with contributing to the firm’s investment teams delivering strong performance across their range of strategies, particularly over the most recent three year period.

The Firm said Mr Pickard’s work leaves it well positioned to enter its next growth phase, and he departs with its best wishes.