Russell Investments strengthens New Zealand commitment

Russell Investments strengthens New Zealand commitment

AUCKLAND – 21 July, 2011:

Global financial services firm Russell Investments has gone against the recent trend of multinationals taking senior management roles offshore to appoint a New Zealand-based Managing Director.

Alister Van der Maas, part of the senior management team for Russell in New Zealand for the past five years, will now lead the consultancy and investment operations with the team further strengthened by the appointment of Fiona Lintott as Head of Investor Services.

Ms Lintott is welcomed back to Russell Investments from ANZ National Bank and replaces Sasha Mandich who will be joining Russell’s London team as Director, Client Relationship Management.

Ms Lintott will be responsible for building the firm’s relationship with Implemented Investment Solutions as well as introducing Russell's products and services to superannuation funds and other institutional investors.

Chris Corneil, Russell’s Australasian CEO, said the appointments, particularly with Mr Van der Maas taking a role previously based in Australia, reflected a focus by Russell on continually adapting to meet the needs of local investors.

“Russell works with some of the largest investors in the world. The knowledge that we gain from working with these clients allows us to provide best practice advice and implementation services to all our clients irrespective of where they are located. Alister’s appointment enhances our commitment to the New Zealand market and ensures that he and his team are instrumental in delivering world class services to local clients. I am confident he can further cement and grow our market position and reach,” Mr Corneil said.

Mr Van der Maas said his appointment reaffirmed Russell’s near 20-year commitment to the New Zealand market and he was looking forward to capitalising further on Russell’s acknowledged strengths.

“We’re strengthening our team here in New Zealand and looking closely at how we can transfer that mass of Russell’s worldwide knowledge into advice and analysis that will suit the needs of New Zealand’s rather unique client base,” said Mr Van der Maas.

“We need to be sure we are tailoring our products and advice to suit current and new clients. I’ve been back in the New Zealand market for the past five years and I’m looking forward to working work with the Russell team and our clients here to ensure we are delivering quality advice and products tailored for the specific needs of our clients New Zealand clients.”

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