AMP Limited has appointed Shawn Johnson as chief executive officer of AMP Capital. He served as senior managing director and chairman of the investment committee at State Street Global Advisors (SSGA) for almost a decade.

As AMP Capital CEO, Johnson will lead its international growth strategy and the proposed demerger of its private markets business, which is expected to be completed in the first half of 2022.

He will assume his new role on June 28 2021. He will be based initially in Sydney, Australia, but will work on a global basis across the key international offices of the private markets business.

David Atkin, AMP Capital deputy CEO, will continue in his role until July 31 to facilitate a smooth handover to Johnson, before leaving the organization as planned.

Johnson's appointment came after Boe Pahari left as AMP Capital CEO in August 2020 following allegations of sexual harassment against him by a female subordinate.

AMP chair Debra Hazelton says: “Shawn’s extensive experience and knowledge of global investment management, particularly private markets, makes him an exceptional leader for AMP Capital.”

“As AMP Capital separates from AMP and establishes a new culture and brand, Shawn has clearly demonstrated his capability to lead and inspire teams of highly capable investment professionals,” Hazelton adds.

While at SSGA, Johnson had global oversight and responsibility for over 450 investment strategies and US$2.1 trillion in client assets, including management of all its private equity businesses.

He also served as the volunteer chairman of the Financial Services Sector Coordinating Council (FSSCC) from 2008 to 2010. FSSCC is a non-profit organization that coordinates critical infrastructure and US homeland security activities within the financial services industry and works collaboratively with key government agencies.

More recently, Johnson led his own alternative investments businesses, including management of a global macro hedge fund and various private investment strategies.