UK - Morley Fund Management has named former M&G Group finance director David Watson as its new chief financial officer.

He takes over from Gerard Quirke who said in August that he was leaving in search of “new challenges in the fund management industry”.

Watson, 44, joined the asset management firm this week and will join its board. Morley, which is owned by UK finance group Aviva, said Watson was most recently group finance director of M&G Group, which he joined in 1994.

"We are delighted to have attracted someone of David’s calibre to Morley,” said Morley’s chief executive Keith Jones. “His extensive experience both in investment banking and fund management will make him a valuable member of the board."

Watson added: "I am very much looking forward to joining the team at Morley. The quality and commitment of its people coupled with the strength and reach of the Aviva group is a powerful mixture and I welcome the opportunity to play a role in Morley's future development."

Morley has more than 100 billion pounds (1.4 billion euros) under management.