Lazard Asset Management has appointed Tycho van Wijk and Tjeert Keijzer as portfolio managers and analysts, based in its Frankfurt office, effective from the start of May.

The duo join from ING Investment Management where they were the lead investment manager and investment manager, respectively, of the ING Global Opportunities Fund.

In their new roles at LAM, van Wijk and Keijzer will launch and manage an unconstrained global equity strategy, which will be available in separately managed accounts as well as commingled funds. The new fund aims to broaden the firm’s global equity platform; LAM managed some $33 billion in global equity portfolios at 31 December 2010.

The pair will also assume portfolio management responsibilities for LAM’s Global Trend portfolios and will work with existing LAM team members Ulrich Schweiger and Beatrix Eisenblaetter.

“Clients are increasingly seeking global, unconstrained strategies with the flexibility to invest across geographies and sectors,” said John Reinsberg, deputy chairman of LAM, international and global strategies.