JANA appoints Head of Quantitative Applications

JANA Investment Consultants has announced the appointment of Michael Watt as head of quantitative applications.

JANA said of the newly-created role: "The variety and quantum of data and analytical tools is growing rapidly. Whilst the explosion of data and related tools holds much promise for JANA and our clients, there is also a lot of noise and complexity."

"The appointment is a reflection of JANA's desire to evolve our own tools and techniques, as well as help our clients work through what is increasingly a demanding and complex field."

Watt was previously the principal consultant at PortfolioMetrics where his key function was to develop investment risk and portfolio analysis systems and procedures. Prior to this, he spent a decade as head of investment risk at VFMC, and as a member of the firm's investment committee.

He also previously managed cash and credit at Challenger and held various investment analyst roles at County Investments (Invesco), National Australia Bank and Prudential.