Mr Ahmad makes the move from JP Morgan Asset Management, where he held the position of currency portfolio manager from 2013.
Standard Life Investments head of emerging markets fixed income Richard House, to whom Mr Ahmad will be reporting, commented that Mr Ahmad’s appointment would strengthen the business’ emerging market debt capabilities.
“Imran’s appointment reflects our commitment to, and belief in, the long term opportunities the EMD asset class has to offer. Imran’s skill set compliments the team’s approach to managing EM fixed income portfolios, namely high conviction macro based investing,” Mr House said.
In addition to the appointment of Mr Ahmad, Standard Life Investments announced the launch of a new strategy, managed by Mr House and Kieran Curtis.
The Emerging Market Debt Unconstrained SICAV strategy will invest in hard and local currency sovereign debt, as well as hard currency corporate debt, from a pool of over 70 countries.
