Experienced investment manager Justin Onuekwusi has begun his new role as chief investment officer (CIO) at wealth manager St James’s Place.

In his new job he will steer the development of SJP’s investment proposition, asset allocation approach and selection of external fund managers.

He has more than 20 years of investment management experience and recently worked as head of retail investments, EMEA and head of retail multi-asset funds at Legal & General Investment Management.

Previously he held roles at Aviva Investors, Merrill Lynch/Bank of America and Aon Consulting.

He has also been a champion of diversity, equity and inclusion and has won recognition for his work in this area.

SJP says his appointment is part of SJP's drive to, “enhance the breadth and depth of expertise within the investment division.” The investment division includes Hetal Mehta as head of economic research and Joe Wiggins as director of investment research.

Tom Beal, director of investments at SJP, said: “I’m thrilled to have Justin on board, as his experience in multi-asset solutions will be invaluable to the team and in driving positive investment outcomes for our clients.”

Mr Onuekwusi said: “Everything I have done in my career has been based on the desire to be impactful. I am looking forward and delighted to have the opportunity to continue to do this at SJP and importantly together with the rest of the investment capability strive to be innovative in the pursuit of delivering robust client outcomes.”