Burnett, who previously spent almost three years as a director of Lyxor Asset Management, joins the firm as managing director, head of wholesale sales and client relationships, UK and Ireland. He is based in London.

Before Lyxor, Burnett worked at Martin Currie, Liontrust Asset Management and AXA Investment Managers.

The hire follows that of Marco Zanuso, who joined Manulife Asset Management in March as head of distribution for Europe (excluding the UK), Middle East and Africa.

As of the end of 2015, Manulife Asset Management looked after around $301 billion in assets.