Tim Roberts has joined UK-based Ignis Asset Management as its new chief operating officer.

In his new role Mr Roberts reports to Chris Samuel, Ignis' chief executive, and will sit on both the group’s asset management executive committee and the Ignis board.

Mr Roberts joins from McKinsey & Company, the London-based management consultancy, where he had been a partner since 1999. Prior to joining McKinsey & Company in 1993 he worked in investment banking at Warburg.

“His [Mr Robert’s] proven track record and experience in implementing improvements in product design, investment process, distribution, organisation and risk management will be invaluable to the business as it grows. Ignis has ambitious plans and this is another major step towards ensuring that we have the best possible investment and management talent to help achieve our goals,” said Mr Samuel.

Mr Robert’s appointment closely follows the announcement that Chris Fellingham will be joining Ignis as chief investment officer of fixed income on 25 January, having most recently worked for George Soros’ London-based asset management business.