International asset manager Gartmore is to make Paul Graham head of Global Alternatives in early April, according to a statement. Mr Graham joins the firm from Baring Asset Management, where he was head of alternative sales, business development and client services. He will join Gartmore’s London headquarters, reporting to Phil Wagstaff, Gartmore’s global head of distribution. 

“Gartmore has been in the hedge fund sphere for nearly a decade. During this time we have forged strong client relationships across Europe, Japan and the US and have developed a diversified range of hedge fund products. Not only has this range proven its worth in extremely challenging markets, but we have met client redemptions without imposing gates. We are confident that such performance will act as a springboard for further growth in the US, Middle East and Asian markets,” Mr Wagstaff said.

The last decade of Mr Graham’s career has seen him take on various business development roles, predominantly with a focus on alternatives products. At Gartmore, in a newly created role, he will lead the implementation of Gartmore’s alternative product and distribution strategy.

He will also build on Gartmore’s hedge fund range and core European client base, whilst developing new relationships in the US, Middle East and Asia.  Martin Phipps will continue his long standing contribution to the Gartmore alternatives business, reporting to Mr Graham as head of European Alternatives.

Gartmore provides investment management products and services to retail and institutional investors in the UK, Continental Europe, the US, Japan and South America. At 31 December 2008, the company had over £18 billion in assets under management.

Headquartered in London, Gartmore has offices in Boston, Frankfurt, Madrid and Tokyo. The company is owned by private equity firm Hellman & Friedman, and Gartmore’s senior fund managers and executives.