GAM has nabbed a high-profile executive from rival fund manager Henderson as its head of equities. He will report directly to Chief Executive Alex Friedman at the Zurich-based asset manager.

The Swiss asset management firm said it is hiring Matthew Beesley, who has been head of global equities at U.K.-based fund manager Henderson for the last five years.

Beesley, who is based in London, starts on Monday and report to GAM head Alex Friedman in a newly-created equities role.

«Matthew Beesley will work with all of the GAM equity teams to optimize performance and risk management, ensure strong links with sales, marketing and operations and also drive information collaboration across teams,» GAM said in a statement.