AXA Investment Managers (AXA IM) has hired Martin Powis as business development manager, to support and strengthen AXA IM’s relationships with UK pension funds and insurance companies.

Based in London, Powis will and work closely with Tracey Milner, who is responsible for local authority business development at AXA IM.

“Investors are looking for solutions that will enable them to de-risk as well as capture growth. Our focus has been to develop our product range for the UK institutional market, for example adding capabilities in liability driven investment, smart beta and recently launching a diversified growth fund. Martin will be a key part of the UK team, helping us to communicate and engage with clients and prospects.” said Irshaad Ahmad, head of UK at AXA IM.

Powis joins AXA IM from Ignis Asset Management where he was head of institutional sales for two years. 

Before this, Martin was at Deutsche Asset and Wealth Management as vice president, institutional, responsible for corporate pension scheme, local authority and consultant relations.

Earlier in his career, Martin held roles at Prudential M&G Investment Management, Cazenove Fund Management and State Street Bank.