Cox’s decision to “take an extended career break”, effective immediately, means that BlackRock managing director Mike Prentis has been handed leadership of the team, alongside his current responsibilities as manager of the firm’s Smaller Companies Investment Trust.
Roland Arnold and Lucy Marmion have taken over the running of BlackRock’s UK Smaller Companies Fund.
Cox’s departure also necessitated a change at the head of BlackRock Throgmorton’s Contracts for Difference portfolio, with his former role handed to BlackRock IM UK small/mid cap equity team member Dan Whitehouse.
Whitehouse assumes the position with immediate effect and is supported by Arnold, Marmion and Richard Plackett.
A statement from BlackRock said: “After 15 successful years with BlackRock, Ralph Cox has decided to take a substantial career break and leave the firm. He has indicated he wishes to consider an alternative career, possibly outside of the industry. We would like to thank Ralph for all his hard work and for the excellent performance he has helped generate for our clients.”
