Investment adviser and wealth manager Julius Baer International has hired Gareth Johnson as its head of Managed Portfolio Service (MPS) to create an MPS offering for independent financial advisers across the UK.

Mr Johnson previously worked for RBC Brewin Dolphin for 22 years.

At Brewin Dolphin he was part of the leadership team which developed the MPS-division into the market and into a key area for the firm.

He led the firm's MPS from 2010, as well as introducing the MI Select Manager range and the Voyager Multi Asset range.

He has been a regular industry commentator and was involved in various industry groups including the Investment Association’s FinTech Accelerator.    

In his new role he will report directly to Julius Baer chief executive David Durlacher.

Mr Durlacher said Mr Johnson’s “expertise and leadership will be instrumental in setting up this new offering.

“We believe this is an incredible opportunity for JBI to provide access to our discretionary solutions to a new client group, creating great outcomes for clients of IFAs.

“As part of our long-term strategy, we want to thoughtfully build out a proposition that will resonate now and into the future for IFAs.”

He said Julius Baer is well-known for its discretionary investment solutions and the new appointment aims to leverage the firm’s existing capabilities and UK regional footprint by building out an MPS.

Mr Johnson said: “The investment process and depth of experience within Julius Baer really attracted me to this opportunity and sets the proposition apart.

“Within the business, there is a focus on great, consistent client outcomes which I think is really important for this market. We know how valuable advice and IFAs are in the UK, and we really want to play a part in this market now, and long into the future.”