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Asset Management / Wealth Management / On The Move
Columbia Threadneedle expands leadership team
New appointments follow acquisition of BMO’s EMEA asset management business
The Asset 26 Aug 2021

Columbia Threadneedle Investments is expanding its leadership team following the acquisition of BMO Financial Group’s EMEA asset management business, which is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of this year.

Completion of the acquisition and senior leadership appointments remain subject to the receipt of applicable regulatory approvals.

Richard Watts will become chief investment officer, EMEA. He will oversee Columbia Threadneedle’s investment function in the region. Watts is currently chief investment officer for BMO GAM. Columbia Threadneedle’s current EMEA CIO William Davies will succeed global CIO Colin Moore when he retires from the firm in January 2022. Together, Davies and Watts will provide continuity for the investment professionals and clients of both firms. Watts will report to Davies.

Stewart Bennett will be appointed to the new role of global head of alternatives, creating a global capability that will manage more than US$47 billion in alternative assets on completion of the acquisition. In this role Bennett will lead Columbia Threadneedle’s expanded real assets business (including real estate businesses in the United Kingdom, Europe and the United States and an infrastructure business), private equity business, the US-based Seligman hedge fund business, Thames River Capital (real estate securities) and Pyrford (absolute return, international and global equities). Bennett is currently global head of alternatives at BMO GAM, a role he has held since joining the business in 2019.

David Logan will be appointed global chief operating officer, a new role responsible for delivering operational excellence and partnering with regional heads and the investment leadership to develop and implement annual business change plans and long-term strategic agenda. He will also drive continuous improvement regarding risk and controls and champion the firm’s risk management culture.

Logan has held a variety of roles at BMO GAM and its legacy firms, including chief financial officer, chief operating officer for EMEA and global head of distribution. With Logan taking on his new role, the majority of his BMO distribution responsibilities will transition to Michaela Collet Jackson, head of distribution, EMEA, at Columbia Threadneedle.

Bennett and Logan will report to chief executive officer Ted Truscott.

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