Standard Life Investments has increased its US Credit team to five following the appointment of Matt Kence as vice president, US Credit.

Kence will be responsible for covering a wide range of sectors including autos, metals & mining, energy and technology within US Investment Grade and High Yield.

He joins from Gannet Welsh & Kotler Investment Management. Standard Life Investments has a strong track record in managing funds across a diverse range of fixed income markets. It manages US$98.0 billion (£60.7 billion) in bonds around the world (as at 31.12.09).

Erlend Lochen, head of US credit and global head of high yield, Standard Life Investments, said: ‘Matt has a very strong background in investment grade credit, high yield and leveraged loans and will be an important part of our new US Credit team here in Boston.

‘We have hired some very good people over the last few months, all with strong experience in US Credit. As a team they will help enhance our existing European credit capabilities while also providing the foundations for a strong Global High Yield offering in the future.’