Aviva’s global asset management business has appointed Jill Barber as global head of distribution, who is expected to join the firm later this year subject to regulatory approval.
Barber will join Aviva Investors from GAM Investments, where she has served as global head of institutional solutions since November 2020.
She brings 25 years’ experience in investment management to the firm, having held senior positions at Jupiter Asset Management, Franklin Templeton Investments, Hermes Fund Management and Fidelity International.
Barber will succeed Louisa Kay, who is set to retire at the end of this year following three decades in the investment industry. Kay will continue to lead the distribution function until Barber joins the firm.
“I am delighted to have attracted someone of Jill’s calibre to Aviva Investors. Her 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,” said Mark Verset, chief executive of Aviva Investors.
“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.”
As part of her new role, Barber will lead Aviva Investors’ teams responsible for Aviva client, institutional and wealth sales activity in the UK, Europe, Asia and North America, alongside overseeing client experience, strategy and planning, and investment and client communications.
“I am delighted to be joining Aviva Investors and look forward to contributing to its future growth,” said Barber.
“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.”
Barber’s appointment follows that of Monica Fan-Bradley, who was named head of institutional sales (excluding Asia Pacific) within Aviva’s global client solutions function last month.
Fan-Bradley joined from UBS Asset Management, where she spent nearly seven years, most recently serving as managing director and head of global consultant relations.