Russell Investments, the global investment management company, has appointed Jim Leggate as managing director of its Middle East region.

Leggate joins Russell as it embarks on an ambitious expansion plan across the GCC, as part of a wider growth programme across its European, Middle Eastern and African businesses.

Most recently, Leggate held the position of executive director and head of EMEA asset owners & investment consulting at MSCI.

He has over 20 years experience in financial markets across a number of disciplines including indexes, sovereign wealth funds, pension funds, investment consulting, asset management and private banking.

His arrival in the region will also signal the start of an additional expansion in the number of people on the ground to support the Russell businesses and one of his first responsibilities will be to begin building a team of industry professionals, a statement said.

"Bringing Jim on board to steer forward Russell's business in the Middle-East region is an important step in the realization of our strategic ambitious expansion plans for the Middle East,” said Pascal Duval, Russell Investments’ EMEA president.

“Jim's mix of experience and deep knowledge of Sovereign Wealth Funds, stock exchanges and institutional investors perfectly matches Russell's services. It also leverages our local partnerships with Jadwa Investment and Rayan Asset Management."

Leggate said: “I am excited to join Russell Investments, a firm with an outstanding reputation and network. I look forward to be working with some of the best managers in the world, globally as well as locally in the GCC, where I will be based.” – TradeArabia News Service