Hills, who is also director of the Henderson Opportunities and Invesco Income Growth trusts, joins the AIC board with Rachel Beagles, director of BlackRock Emerging Europe, New India Investment Trust, Schroder UK Mid Cap Fund and Securities Trust of Scotland.

The new additions swiftly follow Peter Arthur's recent election as AIC chair. Other movements at the board include the retirement of outgoing chairman Andrew Bell and former chairman Sarah Bates.

“I am pleased to welcome Rachel and Chris, who bring an abundance of investment company knowledge, to the AIC board,” said Arthur.

“I’d also like to thank Andrew Bell and Sarah Bates, who retired at the AGM, and show my appreciation for their outstanding contribution and dedication to the AIC and the industry.”