[By NBC-1TV H. J Yook]BMO Global Asset Management, along with one of its boutique managers, Lloyd George Management (LGM), today announced that Thomas Vester, CFA has been named Chief Investment Officer (CIO) of LGM.

In his role as CIO, Mr. Vester will be responsible for enhancing and coordinating the investment process and criteria for stock selection for BMO Global Asset Management across LGM‘s strategies in Asia, Global Emerging Markets, China and India, as well as Frontier Markets. He will continue the firm’s focus on investing in companies that are characterised by an ability to generate high return on capital, a strong management team, clean balance sheet, and, if present, a controlling shareholder that respects its minorities.

“The success of our Frontier Strategy has raised the profile of BMO Global Asset Management and of LGM as a leading manager of global emerging market assets,” said Tony Cousins, CEO, LGM. “The strength of this strategy is attributable to a clear and well executed investment process implemented by Thomas and his dedicated team. We believe our other strategies will also benefit from Thomas's skills and understanding of the markets.”

“Thomas's appointment reflects not only the success he has achieved since joining BMO Global Asset Management, but also reinforces that we are committed to being a leading global asset manager and a leading emerging markets equities manager,” added Barry McInerney, Co-CEO, BMO Global Asset Management.

Mr. Vester joined the industry in 2005. Since joining LGM in 2011, Mr. Vester has generated strong performance as Director and Portfolio Manager on the Frontier Markets team, with the strategy now approaching US$1 billion in assets under management. Prior to his time at LGM, Mr. Vester was responsible for frontier market assets at a European-based asset manager. He will remain the primary Portfolio Manager for the LGM Frontier Markets Strategy.