Citywire + rated bond manager Robert A. Lee has stepped in as chief investment officer at US asset manager Lord Abbett.

Lee replaces Robert I. Gerber, who has retired after nearly 20 years with the firm. The change came into effect on July 1.

Short duration specialist Lee runs multiple funds at Lord Abbett, including the Lord Abbett High Yield and Lord Abbett Short Duration Income funds. He oversees around $36 billion in assets across US-domiciled and Ucits-compliant strategies.

Lee worked with Gerber to ensure a successful transition into his new role over the past five months. Gerber joined Lord Abbett in 1997 and ran several funds including the Lord Abbett Alpha Strategy and Lord Abbett Multi-Asset Income funds.

Having become a partner in 1998, Gerber was then given the additional responsibility of overseeing and expanding the firm's tax-free, fixed income capabilities. He was made CIO in 2008.