The asset management arm of London-listed insurer Aviva has boosted its emerging market equity capabilities.

Aviva Investors has hired Bryony Deuchars as a fund manager within its emerging market equities team.

Deuchars, who has 16 years’ investment management experience, joins from Schroders, where she was a senior equity analyst, covering emerging markets. Previously, she was an equity analyst with WestAM.

In the new role, Deuchars will be primarily focused on idea generation and portfolio management for the Aviva Investors Emerging Markets Equity Income and Emerging Markets Equity Small Cap funds, run by Will Ballard, head of emerging market and Asia-Pacific equities.

“I am very pleased to welcome Bryony to Aviva Investors. She has a very strong track record in both country and equity analysis, and a deep understanding of what drives emerging markets. This background is an excellent fit as we continue to grow the team,” said Ballard.

Aviva Investors had assets under management of £290 billion ($384 billion) as at 31 March 2016.