Aviva Investors, the asset management division of the insurer Aviva, has overhauled its UK funds business sales team to reflect the firm’s global business development structure and better focus on its key client groups in the run up to the implementation of the regulator’s Retail Distribution Review.

Under the restructure Jeremy Leadsom has been named as sales director. Second among the changes is Simon Clark’s appointment as head of the wealth management sales team, a role which entails responsibility for discretionary asset managers and private client investment managers. Thirdly, Malcolm MacKenzie is to assume leadership of the strategic alliances sales team, which covers platforms, third-party life companies and key IFAs. Finally, David Robson becomes head of Aviva Life distribution sales team, responsible for coordinating fund sales with Aviva UK Life.

All four appointees will report to John Clougherty, chief executive of Aviva Investors UK Funds, in their new positions. “The RDR is already beginning to change the way that advisors conduct business in the UK, and we have realigned our teams to ensure we are well positioned to work closely with clients and provide products and solutions that meet their investment requirements,” he said in a statement on the appointments.