JP Morgan has appointed Rhian Horgan as the new head of alternative investments for its private bank – a role in which she will oversee more than $16 billion in hedge fund, private equity and real estate investments.

Horgan replaces Nick White, who has joined New York-based Highbridge Capital Management - a firm in which JP Morgan has a majority interest - as a managing director with responsibility for developing its hedge fund and principal strategies business across EMEA.

Horgan has been part of the alternative investments team at JP Morgan since 2008, having previously run the global equity derivatives business for the firm’s private bank and private client services units for three years. Before that she oversaw the structured investments platform for private clients across EMEA.

In her new London-based role Horgan will report to David Frame, global head of alternative investments for the private bank, and James Walker, head of investments for the private bank in EMEA.