Russell Investments has signalled a renewed focus on the superannuation and life insurance sectors via the appointment of Jodie Hampshire as its new head of institutional business in Australia.
The company said Hampshire would help what it terms its "evolving relationship with Australian institutional investors".
According to Russell chief executive Asia Pacific, Alan Schoenheimer, Hampshire's experience meant she would bring a deep understanding of the Australian institutional market and would be instrumental in building the firm's alliance approach by collaborating with a much broader set of institutional clients.
"Russell is focused on driving relationships with local insurance companies, industry funds, defined benefit funds, non-profits and corporate funds — helping them provide tailored solutions for members in the current challenging market environment," he said.
Russell launched its alliance approach earlier this year, announcing its first partnership in the retail advice market with Australian retail financial planning group Matrix Planning Solutions.
Working with Russell, Matrix launched its PartnerShip Funds in February — five actively managed multi-asset portfolios designed to deliver different outcomes depending on the investor's life stage and income needs.
