Asset management giants Aviva Investors has made its second major appointment of 2021.

Following on from last month’s arrival of Mark Versey as the new Chief Executive Officer, Daniel McHugh has been promoted to the global executive team as Chief Investment Officer of its £47bn Real Assets business.

Moving up from his position as Managing Director, Real Estate, Daniel will oversee in the region of 300 professionals working across fund management, asset management, development, transactions, origination, underwriting, research, and business management.

“Daniel has an exceptional investment pedigree, with a relentless focus on clients and delivering strong performance,” said Mark Versey. “Since he joined the business, we have significantly built out our development, asset management and transaction capabilities in Real Estate, expanding our investment strategy in exciting new European locations and forging strong partnerships with key international investors.”

Daniel has more than 25 years’ experience in UK and continental European real estate. Prior to joining Aviva Investors, he was Head of Continental European Real Estate Investment at Standard Life Investments. He joined Standard Life Investments in 2000.

He said: “I’m excited and proud that Mark and the executive team have given me the opportunity to lead our Real Assets business and I can’t wait to get started. We have a fantastic franchise, with highly capable and motivated teams across Real Estate, Infrastructure and Private Debt, and an integrated ESG approach that I believe is a differentiator for our parent Aviva and our external clients.”