The new CIO will oversee Alcentra’s global direct lending and loan businesses in Europe and the US.

Alcentra, the alternative fixed income specialist for BNY Mellon Investment Management, has appointed Vijay Rajguru as co-chief investment officer.

He will report directly to David Forbes-Nixon, chairman and chief executive, and he will work alongside CIO and president Paul Hatfield, the firm said in a statement.

Rajguru will oversee Alcentra’s global direct lending and loan businesses in Europe and the US, with a particular focus on growing the US direct lending and loans function as part of Alcentra’s growth plans in the US.  He will also lead the capital markets activities.

He joins Alcentra from GoldenTree Asset Management, where he was a partner, having joined the firm in 2007. His responsibilities at GoldenTree AM included sourcing and originating loan, bond and structured credit investments, as well as restructuring stressed and distressed assets.

“I am excited about the growth prospects for Alcentra given our global platform and industry leading capabilities and Vijay is a strong addition to the firm," said Forbes-Nixon. "He broadens and deepens the leadership team and brings significant experience as we look to expand our business in the US direct lending and loans space. Vijay will also be responsible for Alcentra’s capital markets activities where he will utilise his previous extensive experience working with private equity houses, banks and legal advisors.”

Alcentra is owned by BNY Mellon Corporation and is headquartered in London, with offices in New York and Boston.