Merian Global Investors has revealed that Richard Buxton has decided to step down from the role of CEO, with Mark Gregory accepting the role of CEO, subject to regulatory approval. Buxton remains with the business as head of UK equities and manager of the Merian UK Alpha Fund.

Today's announcement follows the completion of the management buyout of the firm in June 2018 and rebranding last autumn. Following an orderly handover of responsibilities, Buxton will step down from the business's executive committee. However, as a major shareholder, he will continue to be involved in the firm's development via his position on its board.

Mark Gregory joined the firm's board in October 2018 as independent non-executive director and has played an active role in developing its strategy since then.

Gregory has extensive experience in the financial services sector, including 19 years (1998 – 2017) at Legal & General Group plc, with the last four years as its chief financial officer. He is also a non-executive director at Direct Line Insurance Group plc. He started his career in 1984 at PricewaterhouseCoopers and has a degree in maths and physics from King's College London.

Richard Buxton comments: "2018 was a momentous year for Merian Global Investors. With the management buyout and rebranding complete, I believe this is the appropriate time for me to hand over the CEO role. I am completely committed to the business and I will continue to be involved in its development, in my role on the board. Having known Mark for many years, I am absolutely convinced that he is the right person to take the business forward."

Mark Gregory adds: "I have been incredibly impressed by the Merian Global Investors team's enthusiasm for building a differentiated asset manager and I'm honoured to be taking on the role of CEO. Together with the talented executive committee, I am dedicated to delivering the business's ambitious growth plans, while maintaining the special culture cultivated under Richard's leadership."