Lorana Szeto will replace John Hodder who has stepped down as resource analyst at boutique equities fund manager Solaris to set up his own Private Equity Mining Fund.

Hodder, who has been with Solaris since 2008, is also set to pursue "other opportunities" in the resources sector, according to the company.

Szeto, who has worked as Hodder's associate for the past few months, spent 10 years at Suncorp Investment Management in a resource analyst position, as well as working with what is now the Solaris investment team.

Other roles during her 16 year stint at Suncorp included equity dealer, portfolio analyst and product developer.

"We wish John all the best in his future endeavours, he is a talented analyst and we thank him for his contribution over the years," said Denis Donohue, managing director at Solaris.

"Lorana has worked closely with John over the past few months and we are fortunate to have such a highly skilled professional on board with over a decade of resources analysis under her belt."

Standard & Poor's also announced that its ratings on two Solaris Australian equity funds were unchanged by Hodder's resignation.

Meanwhile solicitor Jo Hill has also been appointed as Solaris' head of legal and compliance.

Hill's experience includes working with equity funds, hedge funds and mergers & acquisitions.