Mackinnon, who was awarded an OBE in 2013 for services to advancing British business in China, started his position as Asia Strategy Adviser at the asset management firm, which is part of Old Mutual Wealth, last month.
He will provide strategic advice on the company’s Asia-Pacific expansion plans, including working out an operating model for the region and identifying and supporting the recruitment of future key appointments.
He reports to Julian Ide, chief executive at Old Mutual Global Investors.
Alongside his new role, Mackinnon is chairman of Sinophi Healthcare, non-executive director of London Bridge Capital, and non-executive chairman, China, at Modern Water.
Ide said: “At OMGI, we are dedicated to growing our asset management and distribution capabilities in the Asia Pacific region.
“[MacKinnon’s] appointment as Asia Strategy Adviser demonstrates the importance we place on expanding our footprint in the region.”
MacKinnon said: “There is a very big opportunity in the Asian market for high performing British asset management houses that have on-the-ground investment and distribution capabilities.
“By establishing the optimal organisational model and expansion programme, I believe both parties can succeed and become leading players in their respective markets.”
The appointment follows the creation of a new Asian Equities team in October last year, which will be based in Hong Kong from Q2 2015.
This team is headed by Josh Crabb, and also includes specialist China equities portfolio manager Diamond Lee.
The company also recently completed the building out of its Hong Kong-based Asian Distribution team.
