LiontrustNov 30 2023

Liontrust to merge sales teams to 'meet changing client base'

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Liontrust to merge sales teams to 'meet changing client base'
Kristian Cook will be Liontrust's head of UK distribution. (Liontrust)

Liontrust is set to merge its UK single strategy and multi-asset teams, it has announced. 

The restructure will see the two teams brought into one under Kristian Cook, who has been appointed as head of UK distribution.

It comes after Liontrust's chief executive John Ions admitted the firm's failed takeover of Gam would lead to restructuring. 

In a trading update on October 18, he said: "The knowledge and insight gained through the Gam process is also helping us shape our future operating model for the long-term growth of the Liontrust business.

"This will lead to restructuring and efficiencies in some areas of the business."

Despite the latest announcement, Liontrust would not confirm how many jobs will be impacted by the restructure.

Cook, who will report to Ian Chimes, head of global distribution, joined Liontrust in March 2018 as single strategy sales manager in London.

Prior to joining Liontrust, he was at Franklin Templeton and JP Morgan Asset Management.

He said: “The changes for the UK team are a simplification of the UK sales model and will enable us to have more collective and individual clarity of responsibilities.

"With more clarity, we can be more focused, and with more focus we can get better outcomes for our clients."

Liontrust said the restructure will "provide greater focus and clarity of responsibilities and will broaden the product range for each salesperson".

It added that intermediary market in the UK has gone through significant consolidation over the past few years and this is "expected to accelerate".

The team will promote both single strategy funds and solutions, with the latter including sustainable managed funds, multi-asset funds and portfolios, depending on the individual requirements of clients.

Chimes said: “Our focus is continually on providing outstanding service for clients.

"We have evolved the structure of the UK sales team to ensure we can meet the changing requirements of the client base. The appointment of Kristian as Head of UK Distribution reflects his substantial contribution to our sales over the past few years and great relationships with clients. He will be leading a very knowledgeable team with the determination to deliver for our clients.”  

tara.o'connor@ft.com

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