Russell names new CEO

Russell Investments has appointed Zach Buchwald as chief executive following the departure of Michelle Seitz last year.

Buchwald - who joins from running BlackRock's North America institutional business - will be tasked with drawing growth.

The firm said this is critical when the global capital markets are demanding agile, risk-managed total portfolio management, the firm said in release.

Currently, Russell manages US$276.5 billion in assets.

"Zach is expertly prepared to further the firm's innovation success - from cutting-edge asset allocation and unparalleled money manager insights to some of the earliest forays into factor exposures, and a competitively recognised implementation capability - to address the exacting demands of investors globally," said Russell president and chief investment officer Kate El-Hillow.

Before joining BlackRock, Buchwald worked as a managing director at Morgan Stanley, where he held roles in the firm's fixed-income division. There, he was responsible for the bank's collateralised loan obligation platform by the end of his tenure.

"I am deeply honoured to join Russell Investments," Buchwald said in the release.

"I've long admired Russell Investments' unique legacy as a pioneer in investment consulting, portfolio implementation, and much more."

In 2021, El-Hillow landed at Russell from Goldman Sachs.