Gillham has more than 12 years experience in the asset management industry, having joined Skandia in 2000 through its graduate development programme before transferring to the investment research team.
John Ventre, head of multi-manager for Old Mutual Global Investors, said: "Anthony has made a significant and valuable contribution to the management of both our dedicated fixed income portfolios and fixed income allocations within our multi-asset funds over the last five years.”
Gillham, previously a co-manager on the portfolio, assumes control of the fund with immediate effect. Smears has left Skandia to pursue another opportunity in the industry.
Smears was also Skandia’s head of investment research. Ventre will take over responsibility for this role, which includes overseeing Skandia’s analysts.
The Skandia Strategic Bond Fund is currently positioned with a bullish stance towards credit, especially in the high-yield space where valuations remain cheap. It also has an underweight interest rate duration, in reflection of some unattractive valuations.
Gillham commented: "In the current market environment for fixed interest, having a broad opportunity set and the flexibility to exploit those opportunities has never been more important.
“With yields at all time lows, a strategic approach to fixed income helps us balance the desire to deliver returns, while recognising that bond funds should behave like bond funds.”
