EUROPE – Fortis Investments is moving into the European high yield bond arena appointing John Lupton to head up the company’s new capability.

Fortis has decided to move into the asset class saying that it can now offer all categories within the European fixed income spectrum, from euro government and investment grade corporate bonds through to high yield bonds.

Lupton has been appointed as head of European high yield bonds and will be based in London. He reports to Emeric Challier, chief investment officer of euro fixed income.

Prior to joining Fortis, Lupton worked at WestAM, Donaldson, Lufkin and Jenrette, and Banque Paribas.

Initially Lupton will be the sole high yield fund manager at Fortis, fitting into the global and euro fixed income team.

William de Vijlder, global CIO at Fortis, commented: “High yield bonds have become more and more attractive over recent years and constitute an important asset class.

Fortis Investments will offer this product for both institutional and retail portfolios.

Fortis has 76.2 billion euros of assets under management.