Connolly will report directly to chief executive Euan Munro, and will join the executive committee.
He will be responsible for developing and implementing Aviva Investors’ fixed income strategies, overseeing a global team with over £160bn in assets.
Acting CIO for fixed income Jean-François Boulier will continue in his role as chief executive, France.
Connolly joins Aviva from Scottish Widows Investment Partnership, where he was director and head of fixed income. He has over 25 years of industry experience, previously holding senior positions at Insight, Deutsche Asset Management and Standard Life Investments.
“I am very pleased that Mark will be joining my executive team,” Munro said. “He brings an invaluable combination of fixed income investment expertise and a successful track record of building cross-market teams which will be vital as we look to grow our fixed income capabilities. I look forward to working with Mark as we continue to respond to our clients’ needs by delivering outcome-oriented solutions and by enhancing our global investment platform.”
