Russell gears up for growth in Implementation Services
SYDNEY, 6 October, 2005 – Global investment and superannuation leader Russell Investment
Group has appointed US specialist John Moore to lead the firm’s growing transition management
capability, in response to continued demand for ‘implementation services’ by institutional investors
across the Asia region.
The move is part of a strategic shift by Russell to ‘decentralise’ its implementation services
expertise, employing more specialists on the ground in key hubs around the world. According to Stephen
Roberts, managing director of Russell’s Australian Institutional Business, the current low-return outlook
as well as an increasingly competitive super environment is fueling demand for expert services that can
improve funds’ efficiency and save valuable basis points. He said the growth in market volatility was
also driving the need for improved portfolio rebalancing disciplines.
“In Australia the use of a specialist transition manager is now accepted as ‘best practice’ when
funds embark on major portfolio changes,” Mr. Roberts said. “Investors both here and across Asia are
aggressively exploring a range of implementation techniques that will give them the edge on performance
and achieve the best return outcome for members.”
Russell’s Implementation Services division covers transition management services, as well as
commission recapture and policy implementation. The overall aim is to help large investors effectively
and efficiently implement their fund’s investment policy. Using innovative tools and techniques, Russell
customises a solution that will help improve a fund’s performance, while simultaneously reducing
exposure to unintended risk.
Currently Russell’s global Implementation Services team includes 105 specialists who handle the
implementation issues for clients representing more than US$4 trillion in assets.
To be based in Sydney, John Moore will lead Russell’s local transition management team,
working as part of the broader global group. Reporting to Stephen Roberts and supported by David
Rothenberg, Global Head of Business Growth and Developments in Tacoma, Washington, Mr. Moore’s
responsibilities will include providing strategic direction to build on the growth of Russell’s
implementation services group and its multiple lines of business, including portfolio transition,
rebalancing and policy management, interim asset management, agency currency execution and overlay
service, and commission management.
Mr. Moore joined Russell in 2000 as senior portfolio manager within Russell’s dedicated Global
Portfolio Transition Team, headquartered in Tacoma. As part of this role, Mr. Moore has been responsible
for executing portfolio transition assignments for all Russell Funds, as well as separate client accounts.
His primary focus has been on planning and implementing transition strategies, exploring the lowest cost
trading alternatives for clients, and reporting on completed client transitions. He has a B.A., Economics,
Furman University, South Carolina and a M.B.A., International, University of South Carolina, 2000. He
will start his new role on 1 December, 2005.
“We are delighted to welcome John to our Australian team. Through our integrated global
network, Russell is positioned to deliver superior portfolio performance during asset transitions by
employing the most cost-efficient, risk-adjusted transition strategies within the industry. Russell’s
methodology involves extensive qualitative and quantitative analysis of clients’ current and target
portfolios, establishing trading strategies, intraday maintenance of portfolio structure, and managing
market exposure,” Mr. Roberts said.
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