Ritson’s appointment is effective 1 February.
In assuming this newly-created role, Ritson will relocate from London to Singapore.
“Singapore currently houses our Asian fixed income capabilities as well as the global team for indirect real estate,” said Scott Callander, head of client solutions for Apac and the Middle East, in a statement.
Ritson’s relocation underscores the importance Aviva places on the city’s role in developing its business, according to the statement.
Ritson has co-managed the Aviva Investors Emerging Markets Local Currency Bond Fund since November 2013, together with Liam Spillane, head of emerging market debt, to whom he reports.
As of 9 January 2017, the same team took over management of the company’s Emerging Market Debt Opportunities Fund. Spillane will remain based in London.
The firm intends to leverage Ritson’s track record in managing emerging market bond portfolios to strengthen its capabilities in the region.
Aviva expects the demand for emerging market bond funds to continue growing, buoyed by the economic growth of Asia and further opening of Chinese onshore bond market.
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Aviva’s Emerging Markets Local Currency Bond Fund versus its benchmark over the trailing three years, according to FE data.
