Liontrust, the specialist asset management company, has expanded its UK distribution team through the recruitment of Gary Higgs and Kyle Barwell, who join today (10 June).

Higgs (pictured above) has been appointed business development manager covering London and the Channel Islands. He will be responsible for wealth managers, discretionary fund managers, multi-managers, private banks and family offices.

He joins from Royal London Asset Management where he was business development manager, working with fund selectors across London and the Channel Islands. Before joining Royal London in 2020, he was at M&G Investments for eight years, where he held a variety of roles in business development and strategic partnerships.

Barwell (pictured below) has been appointed business development manager for the South-East of England. He will be responsible for wealth managers, discretionary fund managers and financial advisers.

He joins from Janus Henderson Investors, where he was associate director with responsibility for London and the South-East of England, including nationals and networks. Prior to joining Janus Henderson in 2021, he was a business development manager at Aegon Asset Management and Kames Capital.

Also joining Liontrust today is Sophie Andrews, who has moved from Franklin Templeton to become head of strategic partners and consolidators.

Kristian Cook, head of UK Distribution at Liontrust, said: “Gary and Kyle are excellent additions to the Liontrust UK Distribution team. They have strong relationships with clients, great investment knowledge and very good reputations. Gary and Kyle will help us to broaden our client base and continue to enhance the client experience with strong service and regular engagement.

“Gary and Kyle are joining at a time when our activity with clients has never been greater as we present our eight fund management teams and compelling investment opportunities, including through the AI-led technology transformation and attractive valuations available in the UK and sustainable companies.

“With Sophie joining as well today, we have an excellent UK distribution team to continue to build on the strong relationships with our clients.”