UK- AXA Investment Managers, one of Europe's largest fund managers, has announced the appointment of Nicolas Moreau as chief executive.

Moreau, who was previously chief operating officer, takes over from Donald Brydon who is also chairman. Brydon will stay on as executive chairman and will oversee corporate strategy.

In addition to his COO role, Moreau is chairman of AXA IM Private Equity and vice chairman of AXA IM.

Moreau joined AXA in 1991 as vice president in the treasury department. In 1994 he became head of the corporate finance and treasury department and in 1997 joined the investment management side to build the quantitative and derivatives business

In the five years that Brydon was combined chief executive and chairman, he built up AXA IM into one of Europe’s largest investment managers with assets of e275bn.

Brydon said: “I have been most ably assisted in this development by Nicolas Moreau who will make an excellent successor as chief executive.”

Moreau said: “I am looking forward to deepening AXA IM’s presence in the markets we serve.”