Wilson, who has 24 years experience in the asset management industry and currently holds responsibility for F&C’s investment and distribution activities, will take up his new role on 1 January 2013.
The move, which is still subject to FSA approval, will also see Wilson join the company’s board as an executive director with immediate effect.
F&C executive chairman Edward Bramson said: “Richard has played a critical role in the development and execution of the group’s strategy over the last year. I look forward to us working together and continuing to build value for all our stakeholders.”
Former F&C chief executive Alain Grisay stepped down after the group’s annual general meeting in May this year to start his retirement. Bramson was appointed as executive chairman but will revert to non-executive chairman after the firm publishes its preliminary financial results for 2012.
Since joining F&C in 2004, Wilson has held several senior management roles, including head of equities, head of investment and head of institutional business.
He started his career with HSBC Asset Management as a UK equity fund manager and spent ten years at Deutsche Asset Management as managing director of global equities.
Wilson commented: “With a foundation of a much improved financial position for the group, I am excited to be given the opportunity to lead F&C and implement our growth strategy to the benefit of our clients, employees and shareholders.”
