The new role will involve steering the business to the next phase of its development. Burnham was previously head of fund research at Brewin Dolphin, but had stepped down in 2008, having been at the group since 2000.
Burnham had been due to join Ashcourt Rowan as investment director, but the departure of managing director David Esfandi earlier this month created a broader role. Esfandi left the group after just 21 months to join his own family office, Dwyer Asset Management.
Burnham’s recruitment is one of a number of senior hires at the group, including Gaius Jones as chief executive of Ashcourt Rowan Financial Planning and David Palmer as business director of Ashcourt Rowan Asset Management. Palmer will now assume the role of deputy CEO of the company’s asset management business.
Jonathan Polin, Ashcourt Rowan group chief executive, said: “Harry is extremely well-known in the sector for his knowledge and expertise, not to mention his over-riding passion for the investment process. These characteristics will be invaluable to driving the business forward and I am delighted to have him on board as he helps us realise our ambitions growth targets.”