Axa IM hires Hayes to run Sterling Strategic Bond

Axa IM has hired former Henderson New Star manager Nick Hayes to run its £54m Sterling Strategic Bond fund.

Hayes will join Axa on 7 June in London and report to Axa's fixed income chief investment officer, Chris Iggo. He replaces Julie Lamirel on the Sterling Strategic Bond product.

Lamirel will continue to run Axa's Sterling Bond fund, as well as the Sterling Corporate Bond vehicle alongside Theo Zemek, the firm's global head of fixed income.

Hayes worked with Zemek between 2003 to 2007 at former boutique New Star. At the group, Hayes was co-manager of the New Star Fixed Interest fund alongside James Gledhill. He also managed New Star's Global Income Portfolio.

In 2005 he also launched the firm's European High Yield fund, which was later closed ahead of New Star's merger with Henderson Global Investors. Hayes left the combined group at the end of last year.

A spokesperson for Axa says: "Theo has worked with Nick before, so there is a strong bond there. We are building up our retail fund management team, and Nick will be part of it. Julie Lamirel remains a very important part of the retail team."