J.P. Morgan Asset Management hired Ash Williams, the former chief investment officer and executive director of the Florida State Board of Administration, as vice chair of asset management. Williams will work for the firm part-time, reporting to Keith Cahill, the head of North America institutional for the company. Williams will continue to be based in Tallahassee, FL.
“J.P. Morgan has deep roots in the institutional space, and partnering with institutional clients is the very foundation of our business,” George Gatch, CEO of J.P. Morgan Asset Management, said. “Over 80% of U.S. institutions are J.P. Morgan clients, entrusting us to advise on a range of topics from asset allocation to investments, to strategy and analytics. Ash’s ability to add value to these conversations and to client outcomes is unparalleled and we are excited to bring him on board.”
In addition to overseeing $250 billion in assets at Florida SBA, Williams has also successfully led large private investment management organizations, having previously served as president and CEO of Schroders Capital Management and managing director at Fir Tree Partners.
“Institutional investors face a particularly challenging environment today, with long-term return expectations declining, inflation increasing, complex geopolitical issues and the specter of continued central bank tightening,” Cahill said. “Ash’s experience overseeing one of the largest public pension plans in the world will make him a key resource for our clients and investment teams as we navigate the challenges ahead. He is widely regarded as one of the most thoughtful minds in the industry and we are thrilled to add his perspective to our team.”
Williams will work alongside J.P. Morgan’s team of client advisors, engaging with investors to deliver thought leadership and investment insights that can help clients achieve their investment objectives. In addition, Williams will be a resource to the business as it builds and manages unique, innovative investment capabilities to serve the institutional market.
“The investment landscape for institutional investors is very complex and I’m excited to share the insights I’ve gained on investment strategy, asset allocation, portfolio construction and other topics with J.P. Morgan’s teams and their clients,” Williams said. “There is no time like the present to tackle and solve the problems we are facing.”
