Mabbutt will start the newly formed head of global credit role at Liontrust in January 2013. Following this, the asset manager will launch a global strategic bond fund, subject to regulatory approval.
Liontrust chief executive John Ions said: “Michael is an excellent addition to our already strong fund management capability.
“He has a long, proven track record of delivering strong performance for the investors in the funds that he has managed and sees the opportunity in the current economic and market environment to continue that at Liontrust.”
Mabbutt is currently a consulting partner at Thames River Capital. Previously, he was the head of the company’s global credit division and the lead manager of the Dublin-based Thames River High Income Fund and the Cayman Islands-domiciled hedge fund Thames River Hillside Apex.
Liontrust runs 15 funds, including Anthony Cross and Julian Fosh’s £550m Liontrust Special Situations Fund. All its current funds invest in equities.
Ions added: "Michael’s appointment diversifies our offering away from our focus on equities into global credit, enabling us to further deepen and expand our distribution capability in the UK and internationally."
Mabbutt joined Thames River in 1998 as a founding member before retiring from fund management at the end of 2007 and becoming a consultant. He has also worked at Norwich Union, Baring Asset Management and LGT Asset Management during his career.
