Ex-BlackRock Exec Joins Insight Investment

Asset manager Insight Investment released a statement on Monday saying that it has appointed Andrew Stephens as head of distribution for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The London-based firm noted that Stephens started in his role last week.

“Insight has a reputation for delivering high quality, outcome oriented investment solutions and the highest standards of relationship management," said Stephens.

"As the investment landscape continues to evolve, I look forward to helping more clients benefit from this approach.”

Insight's newest executive joins the BNY Mellon-owned firm from BlackRock.

The South African spent almost twenty years at the asset management giant, having joined the firm after graduating university at the start of the new millennium.

Bringing in the cash

During his time at BlackRock, Stephens worked in a number of different roles, including as an account manager, in business strategy, and sales management.

Most recently, he worked as a head of UK institutional client business for the asset manager.

"Serving our clients and their advisers is of fundamental importance to our business," said Angus Woolhouse, global head of distribution at Insight.

"At a time when their needs are becoming ever more specific and complex, Andrew’s strength and depth of experience adds further weight to our global distribution efforts.”

Stephens will report to Woolhouse in his new role. Like Woolhouse, he will also be based in the asset manager's London office.

Distribution, a rather nebulous term used in the investment management industry, generally refers to the sales-side of the business, with distribution teams tasked to bring in funds for the company they work for.