British specialist fund manager Liontrust has appointed Ian Chimes as its head of global distribution.

He will manage sales in the UK and internationally, and report to Liontrust CEO John Ions.

“Ian has vast experience in, and knowledge of, distribution both in the UK and in Continental Europe,” Ions said.

Chimes most recently served as a sales and marketing director at Miton Group.

Chimes formerly also served as the managing director and co-founder at Psigma, as well as managing director and head of distribution, Europe, at Credit Suisse Asset Management.

Further, Simon Hildrey, who presently serves as head of marketing and distribution strategy at Liontrust, will take over as chief marketing officer after Chimes’ recruitment.

Meanwhile, Miton has started a search for Chimes’ replacement.

Miton chairman Ian Dighe said: “This development gives us the opportunity to recruit a senior leadership candidate who will make a significant contribution to growing our business, in particular by extending our distribution strategy in an increasingly dynamic and fast changing market place.”