The fund manager brought in by Scottish Widows Investment Partnership as an interim head of its institutional business last November has been handed additional responsibility for another of the group’s top roles, as it grapples with a fresh round of senior departures.

Gordon Phillips has been named as interim head of distribution and client management, following the departure of John Brett, who has left the company to pursue other opportunities, according to a statement from the group. Phillips will work alongside Francis Ghiloni until a permanent replacement is found.