IFM Investors has confirmed to Industry Moves the appointment of Nicki Ashton as executive director, head of Australia, global relationship group, effective 3 September 2019.
In this newly-created role, Ashton will lead the GRG team in Australia and be responsible for GRG's strategy across the region to deliver growth of IFM's business development and investor relations agenda, the firm said.
Ashton, who has over 20 years' experience in financial markets, joins IFM Investors from Russell Investments where she spent the past six years as director, head of strategic partnerships.
Commenting on her new role, Ashton said: "I was attracted to IFM for their strong growth profile and unique model which demonstrates prioritisation of our investors, an alignment of interests with investor objectives and a strong and demonstrable commitment to responsible investment."
A spokesperson for Russell Investments said that the firm has a "strong strategic partnership team in place" that will absorb Ashton's responsibilities, and that additional resources will be added to the team in the coming months.