Kara will be based in London, reporting to Todd Youngberg, head of high yield investments. She joins from Baring Asset Management, where she was global high yield portfolio manager.  Prior to this, Kara worked for Standard & Poor's as a senior credit analyst and she has also worked at HM Treasury as an economic analyst. 

In other recent hires, last month, Aviva Investors appointed Abigail Herron as head of engagement within its responsible investment team and Liam Spillane as emerging market debt currency portfolio manager, both based in London. 

Last week, the firm reported an operating profit of £31 million for the first six months of 2013, up £17 million for the same period a year ago.

Total funds under management were £244.8 billion on 30 June 2013, up from £236.3 billion at 1 January 2013.