Brooks Macdonald has recruited former Architas UK funds boss Sarah Ackland to be its new global distribution head.
In the newly-created role, Ackland (pictured), will be tasked with developing the discretionary manager’s distribution and marketing to boost its presence and attract new business flows. She will report to CEO Andrew Shepherd and also sit on the firm’s executive committee.
Ackland has over 25 years’ experience, with senior sales roles at F&C Asset Management and Thames River Capital. She was previously head of UK funds at Architas and transferred to Liontrust, after it purchased the Axa-owned business, where she became head of its multi-asset business.
Several senior Architas alums have not stuck around for long at Liontrust, with multi-asset leads Sheldon MacDonald and Nathan Sweeney jumping ship for Marlborough.
Ackland said she is excited to help accelerate Brooks Macdonald’s next phase of growth. “The company has an outstanding track record of delivering for clients and intermediaries and a powerful brand in the IFA sector. I am very much looking forward to working with the sales and marketing teams to continue to drive forward the firm’s proposition.”
Brooks Macdonald closed out its fourth quarter ended 30 June 2022, with £15.7bn of funds under management. Although it managed to pull in £280m of net inflows from investors, this was offset by negative market movements which dented total assets by £1.3bn.
