Premier Asset Management has announced the appointment of Simon King as Senior Investment Manager, UK Equities, to run the £61m Premier UK Thematic Fund. He will also be running the Premier Smaller Companies Fund. The appointment is effective from 13th April 2010.

Simon was previously with Gartmore Investment Management (1996-2009) where he managed and co-managed a series of multi-cap long/short and long only high performance portfolios. Prior to this, Simon was a member of the UK smaller companies team at NatWest Investment Management (1994-1996).

Simon Weldon, Managing Director, Sales and Marketing at Premier said: “Simon is an exceptional talent and brings a wealth of multi-cap UK equities experience together with a proven track record. We are thrilled that Simon has chosen to join Premier.”

Mike O’Shea, CEO, at Premier said: “Premier is continuing to recruit highly regarded individuals and build its in-house fund management skills. Simon will join the growing team of investment specialists and will help us continue to build the Premier funds business.”

Simon King added: “Premier has grown considerably over the last few years, most recently with the takeover of 10 open-ended funds from Aberdeen in 2009. I am delighted to be joining such a forward looking and growing investment boutique.”