January 05, 2012
--- Mercer has aligned its investment organization to
meet changing client needs and to advise on challenging market conditions. ---
The changes integrate global
investment consulting and investment management at Mercer, provide the
opportunity for tailored regional solutions, and strengthen Mercer’s manager
research and wealth management capabilities globally, noted Phil de Cristo,
president and group executive of investments.
“Mercer continues to serve its
traditional investment consulting client base. But directionally, many of our
clients are asking Mercer to move beyond investment consulting and to assume a
greater role in helping them manage their investment programs,” said de Cristo.
“In an outsourced governance model where Mercer implements investment advice,
Mercer almost becomes an extension of company staff. Some clients may not want
to staff internally to oversee their alternative investments or other complex
investment vehicles, or to monitor fast-moving markets. In other cases,
involving DB pension plans, our clients have transitioned to a de-risking model
where the speed of decision making enabled by outsourcing of implementation is
critically important for clients.”
Under Mercer’s new organizational
structure, four regional managers for investments, the head of manager research
and wealth management, and the global chief investment officer (CIO) will
report to de Cristo.
Andrew Kirton will continue in his
role as global CIO with an increased emphasis on strengthening Mercer’s
portfolio management and strategic research capabilities.
Jeff Schutes was named global head
of manager research and wealth management. Cara Williams, will continue to lead
wealth management, reporting to Schutes.
Rich Nuzum was appointed head of
Investments for the US. Tom Murphy will become head of fiduciary management for
the U.S., reporting to Nuzum.
Tom Geraghty was named head of
Investments for EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa). Michael Dempsey
will become head of fiduciary management for EMEA, reporting to
Geraghty.
Stephen Roberts was named head of
investments for Asia-Pacific. Simon Eagleton was appointed Australia/New
Zealand market leader for investments.
Ted Singeris was appointed the head
of investments for Canada and Latin America. Yvan Bretan will become head of
fiduciary management for Canada and Latin America, reporting to Singeris.
Rebecca Moore