Jupiter refreshes Merlin team structure with internal promotions

• David Lewis promoted to co-Head of Strategy alongside existing head John Chatfeild-Roberts
• Algy Smith-Maxwell takes on new Research Director role
• Amanda Sillars appointed ESG Director for the strategy, alongside fund management responsibilities
• George Fox promoted to Assistant Fund Manager

With over 100 years of combined industry experience, the Jupiter Independent Funds team: John Chatfeild-Roberts, David Lewis, Algy Smith-Maxwell, Amanda Sillars, George Fox and Alastair Irvine, has a reputation as a market leader in the management of multi-manager products, managing £6.8bn in AUM*.  Established in 2001, the range encompasses 10 portfolios, each individually tailored to meet specific client outcomes.  

Broadening out leadership at the top of the strategy, David Lewis is promoted to co-Head of Strategy, Independent Funds, working closely alongside long-standing team head John Chatfeild-Roberts.  David, who has been a core member of the investment team for 10 years, has been instrumental to the team’s success over this time, playing a key role in fund selection and idea generation.  As co-Heads of the Strategy, John and David will work together to lead the team, overseeing all portfolio management investment decisions.

Algy Smith-Maxwell will take on the role of Research Director, Independent Funds, taking a step back from day-to-day fund management. Algy, who joined Jupiter in 2001 from Lazard Asset Management, is one of the founding members of the Jupiter Merlin team, and has worked alongside John Chatfeild-Roberts for over 20 years.  In his new role, Algy will focus on developing the team’s research capability, overseeing analysis of asset classes, management teams, and potential areas for investment. 

Amanda Sillars is appointed ESG Director, Independent Funds, a role she will conduct alongside her fund management responsibilities.  ESG has long been fundamental to the investment philosophy and process of the Jupiter Independent Funds team, who encourage the managers of funds in which they invest to increase the transparency of their ESG, incorporate good stewardship principles when investing, engage with companies and vote with a view to delivering the best outcome for all stakeholders. 

In this new role, Amanda will lead the team’s ESG research and engagement, working with Jupiter’s Governance and Sustainability team to implement best practice across all funds in the Merlin range. 

George Fox is promoted to Assistant Fund Manager, Independent Funds.  George, who began his investment career at Jupiter in 2018 as a graduate trainee, has assimilated quickly into the team, contributing to macro, fund and manager analysis.

The team will continue to be supported by experienced Investment Director Alastair Irvine, who joined Jupiter to work with the Merlin team in 2015. 

Stephen Pearson, CIO, Jupiter, commented:

“The Jupiter Merlin team has been a mainstay of the UK investment industry for many years now.  Over its time at Jupiter the team has demonstrated real continuity for clients in terms of its process, its performance and its people.  We are pleased to be in a position to make these changes, refreshing the team structure and promoting internal talent, while retaining the unique character that has defined the team over the years.”

John Chatfeild-Roberts, co-Head of Strategy, Jupiter Independent Funds, commented:

“Jupiter Merlin exists to serve our clients.  As a team, we share one goal: to maximise returns for our clients through long term investment in outstanding funds, managed by talented individuals.  It is a formula that has served us well over the years. 

“I’d like to offer my congratulations to David, Amanda and George on their new roles, each of which will add an exciting new dimension to the strategy.  I have worked with David for many years now and have long valued his commitment and incisive analysis.  I very much look forward to working with him to lead this next stage of the team’s growth.

“I am also delighted that Algy will continue to be a key part of the Merlin team and we will all benefit from his experience and expertise as he develops his new role.”