Richard Buxton has told Investment Adviser that Old Mutual Global Investors (OMGI) may overhaul its multi-asset offering as the business forges closer links with discretionary manager Quilter Cheviot.
Among the changes announced by Old Mutual Wealth earlier this month is the creation of an investment division, led by Quilter Cheviot chief executive Martin Baines and comprising both Quilter Cheviot and OMGI.
The company claimed this move presents an opportunity “to leverage the combined investment knowledge of both businesses... particularly within the multi-asset areas”.
Mr Buxton, who has replaced Julian Ide as OMGI chief executive as part of the overhaul, acknowledged this could involve changes to its retail funds operating in the space.
“It’s an area where we’ve been doing a lot of work analysing and thinking about the best propositions, because clearly Quilter [Cheviot] has capabilities in that area, and clearly we do too,” Mr Buxton said.
“We are looking at where the best capabilities are, and where is it most logical for manager research to sit against multi-asset investment solutions.”
OMGI’s multi-asset funds include portfolios run by John Ventre, Anthony Gillham, François Zagamé and Lee Freeman-Shor, and fund ranges including the Spectrum, Foundation and Generation vehicles.
Addressing his own responsibilities, Mr Buxton said he would be prepared to relinquish his chief executive position if his dual role proved too much.
“If I find I can’t do both roles, it will be the CEO role that goes and I will revert back to just being on the investment side.”
He confirmed that working at OMGI “is my last job in the City”.
