CQS mining fund managers Keith Watson and Robert Crayfourd are to join Tufton, manager of tanker fleet operator Tufton Assets (SHIP).
Tufton Investment Management said they would start later this year after completing their contractual obligations to Manulife CQS. The pair are serving three-month notices after stunning the market with their resignations earlier this month.
The statement from Tufton lists the three investment companies – Golden Prospect (GPM), Geiger Counter (GCL) and CQS Natural Resources (CYN) – that the pair currently manage at CQS, an indication that they may follow the managers to the alternative investment manager.
All three have strong performance records under the managers. They have served protective notices against Manulife CQS as the consider their options.
Tufton CEO Andrew Hampson said: “We are pleased Keith and Robert have agreed to join the Tufton team. They have built a reputation in natural resources that will dovetail with the institutional-grade investment management skills we have built at Tufton over four decades in maritime and real assets through vehicles such as SHIP.”
CIO Nicolas Tirogalas said the managers had skills that were adjacent to the areas in which Tufton invests. “We can now extend our platform into natural resources and energy with two portfolio managers of exceptional calibre. We very much look forward to their arrival and to building out our offering together.”
Our view
James Carthew, head of investment company research at QuotedData, said: “Keith Watson and Robert Crayfourd had long experience of working for boutique management companies before ending up at the behemoth that is Manulife. We wish them all the best at Tufton.”
