An independently-owned investment management business with offices in London and Dorset has a new Chief Executive Officer.

Jeremy Wharton has taken the reins at fund and portfolio manager Church House Investment Management which manages over £1bn of investments.

He takes over from James Mahon who has stepped down after ten years in the role.

Jeremy has been with the firm as a Fund Manager since 2004 and specialises in fixed interest investing.

The new CEO will split his time between the company’s offices in Sherborne and Mayfair, London.

Jeremy said: “Some things will change, but we are not trying to reinvent a wheel that rotates very successfully already.

“It will be more of a case of evolving over time rather than going for all-out growth.”

James Mahon will continue to play an active role in the business as Joint Chief Investment Officer and manager or co-manager of several Church House investment funds.

These include the successful Tenax Absolute Return Strategies Fund, designed for cautious investors.

James said: “I have every confidence that Jerry will be able to build on the success we have enjoyed over the last 20-plus years.”

In a separate move Roger Davis, previously Operations Director, has taken on the broader remit that comes with a Managing Director role.

He joined the company in 2004.

Roger, pictured left, said: “My goal is to work closely with Jerry and the Board to shape strategy and then engage with the talented and committed people in our businesses to deliver on our plans.

“The qualities that have made Church House a success will remain, and we will refine them over time to ensure we continue to meet our clients changing expectations.”