Threadneedle, has this week announced the appointment of Vanessa Donegan as the firm’s newly created Head of Asia and Global Emerging Markets. Donegan is a prominent figure at Threadneedle, having been of the founding members of its investment team when the company was established back in 1994. With over 30 years’ experience in fund management Donegan has extensive knowledge of Asian equities, which she applied most recently in her position as Threadneedle’s Head of Asia Pacific Equities. In this new role, she will remain as fund manager for both the Threadneedle Asia Fund and Asia Pacific Mutual Fund, as well as overseeing investment management activities for EUR7.4 billion in AUM in emerging market equities. Donegan will report to Head of Equities, Leigh Harrison (pictured). Commenting on the appointment, Harrison was quoted in the firm’s press release as saying: “Vanessa’s appointment recognises her strong contribution to the team and we look forward to continuing to grow our emerging market business under her leadership. We are seeing enormous interest and opportunity in the sector.”