Janus Henderson Investment Trusts has promoted Mike Kerley (pictured) to deputy manager of The Bankers Investment Trust, supporting current portfolio manager Alex Crooke, with effect from 24 June.
Kerley has managed the Asia Pacific (ex Japan and China) sleeve of The Bankers Investment Trust portfolio since 2006 and will assume a deputy manager role across the entire portfolio.
His role will involve supporting Crooke with asset allocation decisions, providing additional input and expertise throughout the investment process. He will also help manage communication between the various sleeve managers and provide challenge on performance and risk characteristics. He will serve as an additional representative both to the board and with internal stakeholders.
Kerley has worked on the trust for the past 16 years and brings over 37 years’ industry experience.
The Bankers Investment Trust has been managed exclusively by Crooke, co-head of equities – Emea and Asia Pacific, since 2003. Following Kerley’s appointment, he and Crooke will manage the portfolio collaboratively. Founded in 1888, it is one of Janus Henderson’s oldest and largest investment trusts. It has increased its dividend payments consecutively for every one of the last 55 years.
Kerley also co-manages Henderson Far East Income, an income-focused investment trust investing across Asia Pacific, alongside Sat Duhra. The pair will continue to co-manage the portfolio as they have since 2019.
Simon Miller, chair of The Bankers Investment Trust, said: “Mike’s extensive experience in both the world of investment trusts and specifically in the Asia Pacific region will be a major asset to The Bankers Investment Trust. The Board welcomes this appointment not only because we know that Mike’s capabilities will further strengthen the excellent work carried about by Alex, but also because it recognises the value that Janus Henderson places on our company.”
Kerley added: “Having managed the Asia Pacific portfolio of Bankers since 2006, I have a deep understanding of how The Bankers Investment Trust operates and have worked closely with Alex in the continued delivery of the trusts objectives over the past 16 years. I am thrilled to become deputy manager of the trust and look forward to building on my existing role in the continued delivery of those objectives.”
