Listed asset manager River and Mercantile (R&M) has appointed Simon Smith as head of UK Wholesale Distribution.

Mr Smith will join the business in July from Merian Global Investors, where he is currently head of UK Wholesale Distribution, managing a team responsible a significant proportion of the firm’s AUM across more than 7000 intermediary clients. Prior to this, he was head of UK Global Financial Institutions at Aberdeen Standard Life.

He will take over the management of the existing R&M Wholesale team and in his role will work closely with the Marketing and Client Service groups; he will also join River and Mercantile’s Global Distribution Management team.

His appointment comes shortly after that of former Schroders fund manager James Sym, who will be joining R&M’s PVT equities team this month to develop a new suite of European focused funds.

David Hanratty, Global Head of Distribution for R&M, said in a statement: “We’re delighted that Simon is going to be joining us. He brings with him a wealth of experience in UK Wholesale and has demonstrated a talent for building a successful business and driving substantial asset growth.

“We have made clear our plans to expand our distribution capability significantly and Simon’s appointment represents an important milestone in these plans. He is held in high regard in the wholesale market and I am certain his great relationships, hands-on approach and enthusiasm will bring quick success.”