Argonaut appoints COO as it splits off from Ignis

Argonaut Capital Partners has appointed Edward James as chief operating officer as the boutique becomes more independent from Ignis.

James joins from Octopus Investments where he was head of operations and has 15 years industry experience including stints at Euroclear and Gerard Asset Management.

On 18 August, Investment Week exclusively revealed Argonaut is to break away from Ignis with founding partners Barry Norris and Olly Russ taking a 60% controlling stake. Ignis' stake will reduce from 50% to 40%.

Argonaut will run as an independent business, under a single brand and with dedicated management.

Norris said: ""We are delighted to appoint Edward to manage our transition process to a standalone business from Ignis. His experience, expertise and enthusiasm will be invaluable to maintaining a first class and robust operational infrastructure and ensuring best practice."

James is likely to be involved in developing Argonaut's UK distribution capability. Ignis will continue to distribute Argonaut's funds in Continental Europe.