Ninety One strengthens multi-asset bench with senior hire

Ninety One Asset Management has appointed a veteran investor as its new head of multi-asset in a bid to further bolster its global investment platform.

David Knee joins from M&G Investments, where he spent more than three decades managing fixed income and multi-asset portfolios across the UK and South Africa.

Knee, who will take up the role at the end of 2025, was most recently co-deputy investment chief for fixed income at M&G.

"David is a world-class investor and leader," said Ninety One co-chief investment officer, Domenico (Mimi) Ferrini.

"His joining the team marks a meaningful strengthening of our investment platform. In addition to his co-portfolio manager responsibilities, he will focus on fostering greater collaboration across teams and enhancing the macro research that underpins our strategies."

Ninety One's head of institutional for its Asia Pacific and Middle East client group welcomed the appointment.

Justin Cowper added: "Multi-asset is at the nexus of our many specialist capabilities, with part of David's focus being on fostering increased collaboration between our teams and enhancing the core macro research process that underpins our various multi-asset strategies.

"We believe this will be of great benefit to our existing clients in Australia and globally."

Knee said the move was both professional and personal. "After three decades at M&G, I'm thrilled to be joining Ninety One and returning to South Africa," he said. "My focus will be on delivering excellent client outcomes, working with the strong team of skilled portfolio managers and building on a long-term performance track record."

As part of the firm's broader push into multi-asset, Ninety One has also promoted Rehana Khan to co-head of South Africa equity and multi-asset, working alongside Hannes van den Berg.

Khan will also join the global strategic managed portfolio management team, bringing her specialist equity experience to the expanding capability.

She previously worked with Knee at M&G South Africa before joining Ninety One in 2020.