Recent Executive Appointments in Wealth Management and Legal Services

Columbia Threadneedle Investments has expanded its London team with three strategic hires. Ciara Fitzgerald joins as an investment grade credit portfolio manager from ANZ and Deutsche Bank, while Natasha Ebtehadj returns to the firm as global equities portfolio manager following a tenure at Artemis. Additionally, Steve Nelson moves from Janus Henderson to join the fixed income client portfolio management team, focusing on investment grade credit strategies.

Fidelity International has tapped Chris Robinson as investment director to oversee its UK wholesale market operations. Robinson, formerly of Premier Miton Investors and Tatton Investment Management, will coordinate with distribution teams to promote the firm’s multi-asset range and model portfolio services. Fidelity’s leadership noted that Robinson’s background in the independent financial advisor market is central to their growth plans for custom investment solutions.

Legal firm Charles Russell Speechlys has named Justine Howard as general counsel. Joining from Pinsent Masons, Howard brings over two decades of experience in legal strategy and risk management. Her mandate includes overseeing governance and regulatory compliance, with a specific focus on navigating the ethical integration of artificial intelligence within the firm’s operations to support sustainable international expansion.