Brompton Asset Management, the London-based firm launched by John Duffield, the founder of New Star, has seen the departure of its head of private clients, WealthBriefing understands.

Simon Akroyd, who was appointed to head up private clients at the firm’s launch early last year, has been replaced by Gillian Lakin, who has been the unit’s chief investment officer since last September and will continue to hold these responsibilites. Akroyd's departure is believed to have been amicable and the result of a reorganisation at the firm; details of his next role have yet to emerge.

Prior to joining Brompton, Lakin had been chief investment officer at Thornhill Investment Management, overseeing the investment team, the fund selection process and the asset allocation process.

In other changes, the firm has also promoted Luke Hyde-Smith from analyst to private client fund manager.