Legal & General Investment Management, part of UK-listed financial services group L&G, has restructured its leadership team, creating a new role of leadership head.

Legal & General Investment Management, part of UK-listed financial services group L&G, has restructured its leadership team, creating a new role of leadership head.

The move is “designed to drive LGIM’s future business growth across its key product ranges while continuing to meet its clients’ evolving needs, in the UK and internationally,” it said in a statement.

Aaron Meder has been appointed head of investment and will lead LGIM’s investment teams, excluding “real assets” such as property and infrastructure. Meanwhile, Roger Bartley has been appointed vice-chairman – investments, and will work closely with Mark Zinkula, CEO of LGIM.

Bill Hughes takes on the role of head of real assets, a new position bringing together LGIM’s direct investment capabilities in property and infrastructure into one team. Mike Craston has been appointed vice chairman – Legal & General Investment Management America.

Sarah Aitken will become head of distribution, extending her responsibilities to lead all distribution in Europe, the Middle East and Asia, including institutional and retail, the firm said.

Finally, Ali Toutounchi, managing director for index funds, has announced he intends to retire at the end of this year. He will work with Zinkula and Meder to hire a successor.

These changes will be implemented in January and are subject to regulatory approval.

As at 30 September 2014, LGIM’s total assets included £477 billion of AuM and £199 billion of derivative overlay and GIA advisory assets.