Columbia Threadneedle’s regional head of high yield, Barrie Whitman, is to retire after 20 years with the firm, leaving leadership of his team to Roman Gaiser.
Whitman will retire at the end of the year after a 30-year career that culminated in heading a high yield team managing £4 billion (€4.45 billion) of assets for Columbia Threadneedle’s Europe, Middle East, and Africa (Emea) business.
Gaiser takes the role after re-joining Columbia Threadneedle from Pictet Asset Management last year, where he was also head of high yield.
Mark Burgess, Columbia Threadneedle’s chief investment officer for Emea, said Whitman had made an “outstanding” contribution during his 20 years at the firm.
“He has spent the last 20 years building a world-class franchise that has consistently delivered strong results for our clients,” Burgess said.
Once Whitman has retired, Gaiser is also set to join Alasdair Ross as co-manager of the Threadneedle (Lux) Credit opportunities fund, and David Backhouse as co-manager of the Threadneedle High Yield Bond Fund.
©2019 funds europe
