Townswick, who is based at the insurance asset manager's headquarters in Hartford, Connecticut, was previously a senior portfolio manager and analyst with Golden Capital Management in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Conning chief investment officer Richard Sega said that Townswick "will play an important role as we develop future equity strategies for insurers, as well as consider potential acquisitions in this area."
Conning's current equity strategies include US and global income-oriented strategies, as well as specialised strategies such as master limited partnerships.
As of 31 March 2015, Conning's assets under management totalled almost $95bn.
