AUCKLAND - December 5, 2010: Industry expert Daniel Mussett appointed as head of consulting.

Global financial services firm Russell Investments is growing its New Zealand team, which provides innovation for clients in the key areas of investment consulting and investment management. The firm has added several senior hires to its strong investment management team to help deliver solutions tailored to the needs of local investors. Mark Blair, managing director of Russell Investments New Zealand, says the firm is committed to the New Zealand market and has strengthened the team to continue to develop services for local clients and underpin growth.

Investment consulting practice gets a boost with two new hires

Daniel Mussett has been appointed head of investment consulting. Mr Mussett is returning to Russell after five years and will bring with him international experience in consulting. A specialist investment actuary, Mr Mussett has particular expertise in asset-liability management and governance for institutional investors. Mr Mussett previously worked for two international consulting organisations in Switzerland as an international benefits and actuarial consultant and a senior investment consultant. Mr Mussett will consult directly to key clients including crown financial institutions, community trusts, superannuation schemes and new sectors.

Mr Mussett replaces Russell&#39s current head of consulting Alister Van der Maas, who has been promoted to director of business operations. Mr Van der Maas joined Russell in August 2006, after working in the United Kingdom in various roles in transition management at Deutsche Bank and Merrill Lynch Investment Managers.The consulting team will be further supported by newly-appointed consulting analyst Martin Boulanger who will provide the team with analytical and quantitative support.

&#34Alister has done a great job in getting the consulting practice to the strong position it is in today. I am confident Daniel can build on this success and his international experience will be another dimension to offer clients as we continue to anticipate their needs and deliver innovative solutions,&#34 Mr Blair says. &#34Our clients value our objective, global perspective and our people and their abilities are key to keep solving their complex problems.&#34

Focus on funds

Meanwhile David Buell has joined Russell as a client service analyst, responsible for supporting Russell&#39s relationships with funds clients in New Zealand. Before joining Russell, David was at IRG Equity Advisers as an investment adviser. In this role he advised on and executed investment decisions with a range of clients. Prior to this he was in the UK with Capita Financial Group as an assistant fund accountant and was employed as a contractor at TD Waterhouse; one of the UK's leading execution-only brokers.

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