The asset management firm, which controls £28bn of assets, is set to launch two emerging market debt funds in the next 12 months.
First State already has one of the most celebrated emerging market equity ranges on the market – most notably FE Alpha Manager Angus Tulloch’s sector-leading First State Asia Pacific and Pacific Leaders funds.
Williamson, who was also head of emerging market debt at F&C, will start her role in early September of this year. She will be supported by four new investment specialists in London, as well as two Hong Kong-based members of the existing global fixed interest and credit team.
Regional managing director for EMEA Gary Withers says First State sees strong investment prospects in emerging markets debt for at least the next 10 years.
"This is our first step in the development of our skill-set in emerging markets debt and building on our existing investment expertise in fixed income," he said.
"We are delighted that our new team will be headed by a very experienced fund manager with an excellent track record."
"Her appointment marks a significant expansion of our capabilities for investors in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and potentially other parts of the world."
Performance of fund vs sector since launch
Source: FE Analytics
Williamson's F&C Emerging Markets Bond fund has returned 88.59 per cent since it was launched in May 2003, outperforming its UM Fixed Interest Emerging Markets sector average by 21.62 per cent.