According to media reports, the Edinburgh-based, small-cap specialist has also hired Peter Shaw, Kames Capital UK equity manager, who will start the same month. Watt and Shaw are replacing Andy Bamford, founding partner at Aberforth, who plans to retire at the end of this year.
“We can confirm that Chris Watt will be leaving Jupiter to take up an opportunity in Edinburgh and will return to Scotland with his wife and young family,” Jupiter said in a statement.
Watt currently manages Jupiter’s Growth & Income, Responsible Income, and UK Alpha funds.
His current fund management responsibilities will be covered by other members of Jupiter’s UK investment teams during a managed transition period.
The environmental and sustainability team, headed by Charlie Thomas, will take over the Responsible Income fund. The UK Alpha funds will be taken over by Richard Curling, manager of the Jupiter Global Trust, Monthly Income fund and Fund of Investment Trusts.
Jupiter said the firm does not anticipate any changes in investment policy, and will communicate its plans regarding Jupiter Growth and Income Fund “at the appropriate time”.
