Columbia Threadneedle has added to its leadership team with three promotions following its acquisition of BMO Financial Group’s asset management business for Europe, Middle East and Africa (Emea).
Richard Watts, currently chief investment officer at BMO Global Asset Management, will become Columbia’s CIO for the Emea region.
He succeeds William Davies who is set to become global CIO in January next year replacing Colin Moore who will retire from the firm. Watts will report to Davies.
BMO’s global head of alternatives, Stewart Bennett, will take up the same role at Columbia Threadneedle. A new role at Columbia, Bennett’s appointment will see the creation of an alternatives business managing over $47 billion in assets following the acquisition.
Bennett has been global head of Alternatives at BMO GAM since joining the business in 2019.
Finally, David Logan will be appointed global chief operating officer, a newly-created role. logan has held various roles at bmo gam and its legacy firms, including chief financial officer, chief operating officer, Emea and global head of distribution.
The majority of his BMO distribution responsibilities will transition to Michaela Collet Jackson, head of distribution, EMEA at Columbia Threadneedle, following completion of the acquisition and subject to regulatory approval.
© 2021 funds europe
