Thompson steps back from AXA Framlington EM fund

AXA Investment Managers has handed its onshore emerging markets fund, previously managed by head of emerging markets Julian Thompson, to Ian Smith and Paul Birchenough in a team reshuffle.

Thompson (pictured) has managed the £130m AXA Framlington Emerging Markets fund since 2010, but is now stepping back from his role on the onshore vehicle. Smith and Birchenough, who have been on the team since 2012 and 2011, respectively, will take over the onshore fund, while Thompson will remain in charge of the offshore version, AXA WF Framlington Emerging Markets. He will also run some segregated emerging market mandates. Mark Beveridge, global head of AXA Framlington, said: "We believe in recognising and rewarding talent coming through the ranks. We already adopt a team approach ...