The firm also announced four promotions.
The plan recently made a venture capital and a value-add real estate commitment.
He will focus on investment opportunities with the potential to drive technological, security and defense advancements.
The transition is the result of long-term succession planning that began in 2014, the firm said.
The new CEO joins from the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund in July.
The new hires will help expand Astara’s portfolio, the firm said.
They are responsible for building close working relationships with investment advisors, the firm said.
His portfolio manager responsibilities will be assumed by other team members, the firm said.
The two will focus on promoting Thornburg’s global fixed-income and global equity capabilities to the North American institutional marketplace.
The new CIO will be responsible for developing and implementing investment policies, strategies and tactics.