Mehrotra to join Mercer

Formervan Eyk Researchassociate director Rashmi Mehrotra has joined rival Mercer Investment Consulting to spearhead business development for the latter’s web site service, which was recently launched in direct competition to van Eyk’s online research tool iRate.

Mehrotra, who left van Eyk in May this year after eight years with the research house, will join Mercer later this month.

In her new role Mehrotra will lead business development, product development and client service activities in the dealer group and retail investment platform markets.

Mehrotra will lead the group’s expansion in the intermediary, platform and wrap segments. Mercer launched its web site service, Mercer IS, in July this year targetting the platform and intermediary markets, and has already signed retail clients AMP and Colonial First State.

Traditionally an asset consultant for superannuation funds, Mercer flagged its interest in the retail side of funds management research last year with its attempt to purchase the van Eyk Research group. However, the deal fell through, leaving Mercer to push into retail on its own.

“Rashmi is an important step towards building that success,” Mercer national practice leader Christopher Andrews says.

Van Eyk Research, meanwhile, has recently appointed Simon Blanchflower to the new position of head of product and customer service, while Simon Bishop has also joined the research house in a sales role, focused on boutique planners.