Columbia Threadneedle’s Harrison to retire
Columbia Threadneedle European equities head Leigh Harrison is to retire in the summer, prompting a senior reshuffle at the fund house.
Mr Harrison, whose 32-year career includes a decade at his current firm, will retire on June 30.
Manager Richard Colwell, who works on a number of the fund house’s offerings including its £3.2bn UK Equity Income fund, will be promoted to head of UK equities.
In preparation for Mr Harrison’s retirement, Mr Colwell took over as lead manager on UK Equity Income in October last year. Mr Harrison also stood down from the UK Overseas Earnings fund and was replaced by Jeremy Smith.
William Davies, currently head of global equities, will take on the new role of head of equities, Emea, assuming overall responsibility for the equity teams in the UK and Europe, as well as Emea-based US, Asia, emerging market and global equity teams.
Mr Davies will also join the company’s executive committee. He has been at the firm since its inception in 1994.
Iain Richards, head of governance and responsible investment, Emea, currently reports to Mr Harrison but will now report to Emea chief investment officer Mark Burgess.
Mr Harrison joined Threadneedle Investments in 2006 and initially led the UK equities team before becoming head of equities in 2010, and head of equities, Europe, in 2014.
His 32-year career also included spells at Premier Asset Management.
Mr Harrison said: “I feel the time is now right for me move on and do some of the things I’ve wanted to do for a long time. I leave the team in great shape and I am confident they will continue to deliver excellent performance for clients. I wish Richard and all my colleagues all the best for the future.”
Mr Harrison’s exit follows that of Emea chief executive Campbell Fleming, who resigned to join Aberdeen Asset Management last month.