Former head of BlackRock’s North American institutional business, Zach Buchwald, has been appointed as chief executive and chairman to lead Russell Investments.
He joined the firm following his director role at BlackRock, where Buchwald was responsible for delivering investment capabilities to institutional clients. He previously established BlackRock’s retirement solutions and financial markets advisory platforms.
Buchwald additionally worked on the company’s global operating committee, as well as previously serving as managing director at Morgan Stanley.
The new CEO would be based in Seattle, the firm’s global headquarters, and would succeed former executive, Michelle Seitz, who departed in late 2022.
Buchwald would utilise his leadership experience in asset management to support the global investment solutions firm’s continued expansion. The appointment came during a time when Russell Investments client-based approach paralleled the growing need for outcome-oriented solutions.
“We believe Zach is the ideal leader to further Russell Investments’ legacy of innovation in asset management,” commented Todd R. Crockett, managing director at TA Associates, which acquired Russell Investments with Reverence Capital Partners in 2016.
He added: “We are excited to welcome Zach and fully expect his leadership, along with president and chief investment officer Kate El-Hillow and others on the leadership team, will help propel the firm through the next phase of growth, with a focus on delivering a superior client experience”.
In consideration of his new role as CEO, Buchwald said: “I am deeply honoured to join Russell Investments. I’ve long admired Russell Investments’ unique legacy as a pioneer in investment consulting, OCIO, portfolio implementation, and much more”.
