Russell makes key appointments

Global investment and superannuation specialist Russell Investment Group has promoted Sydney-based Peter Gunning to the role of global chief investment officer (CIO) and managing director of multi-manager investments in a move it contends will strengthen its presence in the Asia-Pacific region.

Gunning, formerly Russell’s CIO for Asia-Pacific, will transfer to Tacoma in the United States for his new role.

Russell’s Australasian managing director Alan Schoenheimer said that Gunning’s appointment is good news for the company’s Australian clients.

“This new role is a great opportunity for Peter as well as for the Australian business and our clients. We can be assured that our global CIO will have a very clear understanding of the local market and the challenges ahead.”

Christophe Caspar, CIO for Japan, is set to fill Gunning’s shoes, moving into the role of CIO for Asia-Pacific.

Gunning said Casper, who is based in Tokyo and has led Russell’s Investment Management and Research — Japan asset class team for the past two years, would strengthen the company’s team in the region. He will still be based in Tokyo, but make more frequent visits to Australia and the rest of Asia.

“Christophe has maintained the outstanding track record the Japan team has built over the past decade, making him well-positioned to assume additional responsibilities in the region.”

In a third new appointment for the company, Symon Parish, the Sydney-based director of portfolio management, has been promoted to the role of CIO for Australasia.