Global asset management firm Aviva Investors has appointed a head of US equities as it looks to expand its geographical footprint and capabilities in the asset class.
Susan Schmidt joins Aviva Investors after three years as a senior portfolio manager covering small and mid-cap US equities for investment management firm Westwood Holdings.
She has more than 25 years of experience in the investment industry. In her new role, Schmidt will be based in Chicago and will report to recently appointed chief investment officer for equities, David Cummings.
“[Schmidt] is a high-calibre and experienced investment professional, and her arrival further signals our commitment to having strong integrated teams across all key areas of the equities market,” Cummings said. “We plan to add resources to further strengthen the US team over the coming months.”
Aviva Investors has already made moves to bolster its equities business globally this year after poaching eight fund managers from Standard Life Aberdeen in July. At the time, the asset manager said that the new hires reflect its commitment to invest in its equities division.
Chief executive officer at Aviva Investors, Euan Munro, also commented that investing in the equities capabilities at the firm is a strategic priority for the business, adding at the time that the eight new hires will enhance Aviva’s ability to offer compelling equity propositions for wholesale and institutional investors.
“We are excited about the establishment of our US equities team under [Schmidt’s] leadership,” Tom Meyers, head of Americas client solutions at Aviva Investors, added. “The US equities team will complement our growing global equities platform and our expanding North American fixed income capabilities, allowing us to better serve clients regionally and around the globe.”