Royal London Asset Management (RLAM) has announced two senior appointments to its distribution team, with James Elks and John Parkin, CFA, joining to support the company’s efforts in the institutional and wholesale markets respectively.
James Elks joins RLAM focusing on international business development for institutional clients. He brings 20 years’ experience to the role, previously spending eight years at JO Hambro Capital Management where he was responsible for global business development and consultant relationships. James has also held distribution roles at Martin Currie Investment Management focusing on institutional clients and consultant relationships.
John Parkin joins within RLAM’s Wholesale Distribution Team and will be responsible for developing client relationships and distribution in continental Europe. He has 16 years’ experience in financial services, joining from Western Asset where he headed the Wholesale Channel for UK & Europe. Prior to this, John worked at Aegon Asset Management, and helped to develop its European distribution capability, latterly acting as Country Head for Switzerland.
The appointments reflect RLAM’s aim to continue its strong growth, which has seen assets under management increase to £164 billion, and enhance its ability to deliver its established range of investment solutions to international markets, alongside its established presence in the UK. Having already developed strong relationships with distributors and investment consultants outside of the UK, RLAM is now working to make a range of its established investment solutions – including flagship equities and fixed income funds – available to overseas investors.
Commenting on the appointments, John Burke, Head of Institutional, said:
“James is someone I have admired for some time and so I am delighted he has joined RLAM into this pivotal role. His skill set and experience are tailor made to assisting the continued growth and internationalisation of our Institutional business.”
Phil Reid, Head of Wholesale at RLAM, added:
“We see significant opportunities to expand our international reach. John Parkin brings an established track record of working with financial institutions across Europe, particularly in the Swiss market, and his skillset and relationships will be highly valuable as we increase the extent to which we engage with overseas intermediaries.
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