Aviva Investors has hired the former UK investment chief at consultancy Mercer as head of global product strategy, as the asset manager embarks on a fresh push for pension funds' cash.

Steven Blackie will join Aviva Investors in London, reporting to Louise Kay, global head of client solutions. He will lead the product strategy, investment specialist and request for proposal teams at the £350bn investment business of UK insurer Aviva, according to a statement.