Young has already left the firm, while Valenzuela will depart at the end of this year to join a hedge fund. The pair managed the Artemis Strategic Bond fund, and Valenzuela also co-manages the Artemis Target Return Bond fund.
abrdn fund manager Liam O’Donnell has joined the firm to support the management of both funds and strengthen the wider fixed income responsibility for rates and macro, based in Edinburgh.
As a result of the departures, Artemis has reshuffled the management of both funds. David Ennett, O’Donnell and Grace Le will take over the management of the Artemis Strategic Bond fund.
AJ Bell expands investment team with two senior hires
Meanwhile, head of fixed income Stephen Snowden will be joined by O’Donnell and Jack Holmes in managing the Artemis Target Return Bond fund.
Prior to joining Artemis, O’Donnell served as head of nominal rates at abrdn, working across several funds, including the abrdn Strategic Bond fund and the AAA Income fund.
His career in investment started at Abbey Capital in 2005, before moving to Standard Life Investments, which later merged with abrdn in 2018.
Snowden said: “This is another great hire for the team and the firm as Liam brings a wealth of investment experience, which will make a great contribution to the outcomes we aim to achieve for our clients.”
“We would like to thank Juan and Rebecca for all the contributions they have made over their tenure to the firm and our clients. We wish them both well for the future.”
Darius McDermott, managing director of FundCalibre, said that while Valenzuela added experience to the team, Snowden had an “impressive” track record and determined the strategy on the Artemis Target Return Bond fund.
He added that FundCalibre were “encouraged” that Artemis has brought on Liam O’Donnell.
“O’Donnell brings another dimension to the fund in what is a complex and challenging macro environment – and Holmes will deepen the team’s experience and perspective,” he said.
“Overall, we support the changes and retain the Elite Rating on the fund. This is an excellent strategy for those who dislike volatility but want a better return than cash. It has a solid, flexible process combined with a tight risk management framework.”
Top GAM heads resign amid senior reshuffle
Artemis also hired two analysts over the summer and is recruiting for a senior yield analyst.
Paras Anand, CIO, said: “We believe Liam O’Donnell’s appointment, along with the extra analyst hires, helps broaden and deepen the investment expertise we can deploy to manage fixed income assets.
“Many of our clients share Artemis’ long-term commitment to fixed income as a core, long-term element in portfolios. Liam’s appointment further strengthens our capabilities and over time will help enable us to enhance our offering in this space.”
