Aviva Investors Strengthens Global Investment & Risk Teams

CHICAGO, Aug. 20, 2014 /CNW/ - Aviva Investors announced today the recent hiring of four senior investment and risk professionals in its Chicago and Toronto offices. These hires represent a continuation of the firm's focus on building a global platform designed to help clients meet their objectives, manage risk and manage volatility.  Andra Purkalitis, Chief Executive Officer of Aviva Investors' business in the Americas, said, "We are delighted to be able to attract top talent to our firm in a region that is important to our global growth plans.  All four people bring extensive experience to Aviva Investors and share a common belief in the importance of helping clients achieve their goals."

The four individuals are:

Kevin Mathews, High Yield Portfolio Manager (Chicago)

Kevin joins with a wealth of global experience in the high yield bond marketplace, most recently at Scottish Widows Investment Partnership in New York as the Head of U.S. High Yield, and previously at F & C Investments in London as Head of Global High Yield.  Kevin's 32 years as an investment professional include high yield portfolio manager roles at Gulf International Bank in London, ING Investments in Arizona, and Van Kampen Investments in Chicago.

Todd Youngberg, Aviva Investors' Global Head of Credit, said, "The addition of Kevin to our high yield team showcases the importance of this strategy in creating investment solutions for our clients.  Kevin joins his portfolio manager colleagues in Chicago, London and Singapore in delivering a true world-view to our defined process."

Kevin has a Bachelor's degree in Finance from University of Illinois-Urbana and a Master of Business Administration degree from Drake University.

Robert Prospero, CFA, Credit Analyst (Toronto)

Robert joins Aviva Investors from Manulife Asset Management where he held various roles, most recently as a Senior Investment Analyst and starting as an investment analyst in the Investment Division Rotational Program.

Sunil Shah, Portfolio Manager and Head of Canadian Fixed Income, said, "We are pleased to welcome Robert to Aviva Investors' Toronto team. While based in Toronto, Robert joins a globally integrated credit research team and helps us expand the breadth and knowledge of our Canadian coverage."

Robert has a Bachelor's degree in Commerce and Finance from the University of Toronto. 

Lei Wang, Senior Securities Analyst (Chicago)

Before joining Aviva Investors, Lei was a senior credit analyst at Morgan Stanley Investment Management.  She brings more than 14 years of credit research experience to the firm with prior senior research positions at Paulson & Co., Deutsche Bank and JP Morgan Asset Management. 

Ashish Dafria, CFA, Aviva Investors' Global Head of Credit Research, said, "Fundamental credit research is a cornerstone of Aviva Investors' investment process around the world.  By developing a globally integrated research team, we are able to provide key local insights as we build portfolios for our clients.  Lei's experience and expertise strengthens that ability and I'm delighted to have her on our team."

Lei earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Queens University of Charlotte and a Master of Business Administration degree from Columbia University.

Allen Xiao, CFA, CPA, Director of Business Risk (Chicago)

Allen joins Aviva Investors' team in Chicago from Ashland Partners and Company, LLP, where he was a senior compliance analyst and manager with various roles in accounting, auditing, compliance and risk.

Lyda Iturralde, Aviva Investors' Chief Compliance Officer in the Americas, said, "We are thrilled to have Allen join the Aviva Investors team where his experience will help us to continue strengthening our risk management processes."

Allen earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Northwestern Polytechnic University and a Master of Business Administration degree from Willamette University.

Notes to Editors

The information and opinions contained in this document are for use by the financial press and media only. Investment markets and conditions can change rapidly and as such the views expressed should not be taken as statements of fact or advice nor should reliance be placed on these views when making investment decisions. Past performance is not a guide to the future.

Aviva Investors

Aviva Investors is the global asset management business of Aviva plc. The business delivers investment management solutions, services and client-driven performance to clients worldwide. Aviva Investors operates in Asia Pacific, Europe, North America and the United Kingdom.  Aviva Investors Americas has $13.5 billion in assets under management as of June 30, 2014*.

Aviva plc

• Aviva provides 31 million customers with insurance, savings and investment products.**
• Combines strong life insurance, general insurance and asset management businesses under one powerful brand.

*The assets under management reflect the North American region and include Aviva Investors Americas and Aviva Investors Canada as of June 30, 2014.

** Based on Aviva plc Annual Report and Accounts 2013.

This provided in North America by Aviva Investors Americas LLC

Neither Aviva Investors Americas nor its affiliates engages in or holds itself out as engaging in the business of advising others as to investing in securities or the business of buying or selling securities in any jurisdiction where it is not qualified to do so.  This material is not directed at, or intended for distribution to or use by, any person or entity that is a citizen or resident of or located in any jurisdiction where such distribution, publication, availability or use would be contrary to applicable law or regulation or would subject Aviva Investors Americas or any of its affiliates to any registration or licensing requirement within such jurisdiction.

SOURCE: Aviva Investors Canada Inc.