UK-based Treadneedle Asset Management has appointed Kris Haber as head of hedge funds and head of North America.

Mr Haber will be joining the company mid-November and will be responsible for developing and leading the business in North America; working alongside Crispin Henderson, the firm's chief executive. Based in New York, Mr Haber will also assume responsibility for Threadneedle's hedge fund business globally.

Mr Haber formerly spent 13 years at Lazard Asset Management, where his most recent role was that of managing director – global alternative investments.

"Demand for hedge fund expertise to complement core holdings has never been stronger, and Kris’s appointment will reinforce and build upon our current successes to maximise future opportunities for this important part of our business,” said Mr Henderson.

“North America is an important and dynamic market. Given the current environment, I believe there is a timely opportunity for their [Threadneedle’s] suite of products, including the hedge funds range, in this region,” said Mr Haber.