Liontrust Asset Management has appointed Natalie Bell as a fund manager within its Economic Advantage team, which runs almost £8 billion in assets.
In her new team, Bell will assist with stock selection and the daily management across Liontrust’s Economic Advantage funds, predominantly focusing on small and micro caps.
She will also develop the team’s ESG approach.
Bell moves to the Economic Advantage team from Liontrust’s central Responsible Capital team, where she led engagement with investee companies and worked closely with the Economic Advantage team.
Prior to joining Liontrust in February 2021, Bell worked for EY as a senior manager for corporate governance.
She has also worked for the Confederation of British Industry as an assistant director.
Liontrust’s Economic Advantage funds include the Special Situations, UK Growth, UK Micro Cap, UK Smaller Companies, GF Special Situations, and GF UK Growth funds.
Head of Liontrust’s Economic Advantage team, Anthony Cross, said: “While the core tenets of the Liontrust Economic Advantage investment process remain unchanged, we recognise the increasing importance of ESG to our companies and our own investors.
“Natalie’s appointment strengthens the team’s internal resource for the future, and she will be instrumental in helping to develop the team’s approach to ESG as this complex topic continues to evolve.”
Liontrust recently created its eighth investment team, the Global Innovation team. The team has been created for former Neptune Investment Manager fund managers, which Liontrust acquired in 2019.
At the same time, the company announced it would be moving its $412 million Income and $320 million US Opportunities funds from the Global Equity team to the Global Fundamental team.
The move is intended to strengthen the resources devoted to the funds.
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