Steven Gardner has been named as head of institutional for Europe, Middle East and Africa at Aviva Investors, the asset management arm of investment giant Aviva.
According to a news release, Gardner will be responsible for developing Aviva Investors’ institutional strategy across the U.K. and EMEA regions, in line with the firm’s global growth objectives. He will join the business in August, subject to regulatory approval, reporting to Jill Barber, Aviva’s chief distribution officer.
Barber said in the news release: “I am delighted to welcome Steven to Aviva Investors as we strengthen our distribution capabilities to ensure we can continue meeting the evolving needs of institutional clients. With his track record across a broad range of asset managers and his client centric ethos, Steven brings a great deal of experience to the team.”
Gardner’s hire follows the launch of two long-term asset funds by the firm, designed for U.K. institutional investors. In May 2023, the firm launched its Real Estate Active LTAF, followed by the conversion of its Climate Transition Real Assets Fund into an LTAF in March this year.
Gardner joins Aviva from private bank Berenberg, where he was U.K. head of asset management sales and client relations. Berenberg has been contacted for comment regarding his replacement.
Aviva Investors had £227 billion ($289 billion) in assets under management as of December 31, 2023.
