JP Morgan Asset Management has named Simon Littmoden as its new head of international sales.

Littmoden has been part of JP Morgan Asset Management’s UK retail sales team since 1998, and for the past couple of years has been based in Dubai developing the unit’s presence in the Middle East as head of the Middle East retail business.

In his new role, based in London, Littmoden reports to Jasper Berens, head of UK retail sales.

“Simon has been a huge asset to JP Morgan Asset Management and has had great success in building our sales presence in the Middle East. His vast experience of international markets will serve JP Morgan Asset Management extremely well for the future and help further build on our international relationships and drive sales,” Berens said in a statement.

In another recent development, at the end of last month JP Morgan Asset Management launched its Global Emerging Markets Income Trust. The fund will target an initial dividend yield of at least 4 per cent and will predominantly invest in listed equities, although there is scope for investment in a range of assets including, unlisted equities, convertible bonds, preference shares, debt securities, cash and cash equivalents, JP Morgan said.

The new vehicle will be managed by chief investment officer of emerging market equities Richard Titherington, who was appointed head of the global emerging markets business in 2001.