(London) – Aviva Investors, the global asset management business of Aviva plc, announces it has appointed Danielle LeClair as Investment Director, Americas, as it continues to build out its resources in the region.
It is the third senior hire made by Aviva Investors to its Toronto-based team in the last month and comes after the appointment of Julie Caron as Head of Institutional, Americas, and Dean Liotta as Managing Director, Institutional, Americas, to its regional Distribution capabilities in August.
In the newly-created role, Danielle will report to Barney Goodchild, Head of Fixed Income & Equity Investment Specialists.
Danielle joins Aviva Investors from Morningstar, where she was Director of Manager Research for Canada, leading a team of analysts responsible for the qualitative assessment and ratings of open-end funds, ETFs, and segregated mandates in the Canadian market. Prior to joining Morningstar in 2021, Danielle spent more than 13 years at a large global asset manager, covering a range of asset classes as a manager research analyst, latterly leading the integration of ESG considerations into manager research and asset allocation strategies, whilst also contributing to thematic ESG research. Danielle holds a bachelor’s degree in International Relations from Mount Allison University and a Master of Finance degree from the Smith School of Business at Queen’s University.
Duane Green, CEO, Americas, at Aviva Investors, said:
“Danielle’s appointment is another example of our commitment to the Americas region, building on the arrival of Julie and Dean in our Distribution team, and ensuring we provide clients with a high-quality service built on experience and expertise. These hires are real statements of intent for the growth of our business and of the importance we place on our clients in the region. We believe Danielle will be a key contributor towards our future successes, as we continue expanding our on-the-ground resources and expertise, to deliver long-term outcomes for clients.”
In addition to Danielle LeClair, Aviva Investors has also appointed Kelly Smith as Client Marketing Lead, Americas. Kelly is a senior marketing and communications executive with 25 years of experience in financial services. In her most recent role she led regional strategy, high-impact marketing initiatives, and brand alignment across digital, print, and experiential platforms for a large asset manager. She has also held key positions at firms such as Raymond James, with a strong track record in brand development, digital engagement, and event management. Kelly holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Dalhousie University.
Duane Green added:
“We believe Kelly will be another excellent addition to our team, and a key figure in supporting our outreach to – and engagement with – clients, prospects and other key audiences across the Americas as we remain resolutely focused on growing the awareness and recognition of Aviva Investors in this important growth market. I look forward to working with her and seeing the business flourish.”
