Mercer, a leading global consulting firm, is expanding its multi-manager business into Asia with the appointment of Stephen Roberts as the Asia-Pacific regional business leader for investment management.

 

With the appointment, Mercer builds upon its established and highly-regarded investment consulting capabilities and will now offer its clients in Asia a complete range of investment advisory services to meet client needs, including multi-manager solutions where appropriate.

 

"Trustees and other institutional investors in Asia are becoming more interested in considering the multi-manager model, as a result of governance challenges that became apparent during the global financial crisis. Use of a multi-manager approach may be attractive to clients who wish to free up internal decision-making time and expertise to focus on the most important strategic investment decisions," says Rich Nuzum, global business leader for Mercer's investment management business.

 

Roberts, who joins Mercer on 19 April, will be responsible for leading the growth and development of Mercer's investment management business in the Asia-Pacific region, according to a statement.

 

With more than 20 years experience, Roberts previously held senior roles at Russell Investments, working for more than seven years in senior executive roles including as managing director, institutional investment services, Australasia. He earned a Bachelor of Business with majors in accounting and finance from the University of Technology, Sydney.

 

Gary Burke will continue in his role as Mercer’s market business leader for investment management in Australia and New Zealand and will continue to serve on Mercer's Investment Management Global Leadership Team.