UK financial services group L&G has appointed a new chief investment officer for its asset management business, following Sonja Laud’s departure from the firm.

UK financial services group L&G has promoted head of asset allocation and interm chief investment officer (CIO) Emiel van den Heiligenberg (pictured) as the new CIO of its £1.2 trillion ($1.6 trillion) asset management business, subject to regulatory approval.

His appointment follows former L&G CIO Sonja Laud’s exit from the firm. Laud was appointed by UBS Asset Management in December as co-head of its investment business, effective 1 July 2026.

As CIO, Heiligenberg will lead L&G’s global investment platform, the firm said in a statement. He will be responsible for driving the firm’s investment strategy across public markets and fixed income asset classes, research, engagement and its wider responsible investment approach. He will also be strengthening L&G’s investment processes, driving long-term client outcomes, and enhancing collaboration across asset classes from multi-asset and index solutions to fixed income.

Heiligenberg has over 30 years of investment experience delivering for clients across changing market cycles. This includes 12 years leading L&G’s multi-asset business, where he grew its asset allocation team to over 65 investment professionals, including strategists, economists, and fund managers, with over £100 billion in assets under management, covering a range of investment strategies.

“As an investment leader with an exemplary track-record, his appointment is a reflection of the depth of experience, tenure and talent L&G is able to leverage to deliver long-term value for our clients globally,” Eric Adler, CEO, asset management at L&G, said.

The appointment follows the announcement that Tim Morris and Philipp Westermann have joined L&G as global co-heads of real assets. They will co-lead L&G’s global real assets proposition with Morris joining the asset management executive committee, while Westermann will focus on growth opportunities across the real asset platform including the continued growth of Proprium. Together, they will provide strategic direction and operational support across the broader L&G real assets’ capabilities.

Their appointments will strengthen L&G’s investment leadership and signal the continued delivery against its asset management strategy, positioning the firm for long-term global growth, the firm said.