John Ions has joined Liontrust Asset Management as head of retail, a newly-created role.

Liontrust is seeking to expand its sales in the retail market, including via IFAs, discretionary managers, platforms and life companies. 
 
Ions has been chief executive of Tactica Fund Management since it was established in 2005. Tactica distributes onshore and offshore multi-asset class funds that are managed by Goldman Sachs International. 
 
Previously, Ions was joint managing director of SG Asset Management and chief executive of Societe Generale Unit Trusts, having been a co-founder of the business in 1998. Ions was also formerly head of distribution at Aberdeen Asset Management.   

“John is vastly experienced in the retail funds market and has a tremendous reputation,” says Nigel Legge, chief executive of Liontrust. “John is the ideal person to drive forward the retail side of the business as we rebuild the company over the coming months and years.”
 
Ions adds: “I am joining Liontrust because I believe there is a tremendous opportunity to grow the business. I have been impressed by the fund management teams and their investment processes and the quality of the people at the company. With the launch of new funds over the next couple of months, Liontrust has a broader and dynamic range to take to the retail market. I am really looking forward to the challenge of rebuilding the business.” 

Liontrust has made several appointments recently. Ross Hollyman moved to Liontrust at the start of 2010 as head of the new global equity team, Adrian Collins became non-executive chairman on 1 January 2010, Ian Lewis joined in September 2009 as head of institutional clients, and Simon Hildrey was recently appointed marketing and communications director.