Mercer goes global and adds more to plate

Two new global roles have been added to Mercer’s investment business executive suite, with Russell Clarke appointed global chief investment officer of mainstream assets, and Cara Williams global head of wealth management.All regional CIOs will now report to Clarke who in turn will report to global chief investment officer, Andrew Kirton, in London.

Earlier in the year, Mercer also reorganised its alternatives research and portfolio management along global lines, with the formation of an alternatives investment committee chaired by CIO of alternative assets, Bill Muysken.

According to Kirton, the new role is a response to Mercer’s rapid evolution within the investment management space. It now manages $44 billion.

Meanwhile Cara Williams, who for the past six years has been chief operating officer of Mercer Investment Consulting, will take on the new role of global head of wealth management.

She said Mercer can offer products and services across the investment continuum, and part of her role will be to package the intellectual capital for the external market.

Williams will continue in her role as global head of technology solutions.

“I view my work, like a thanksgiving dinner,” she said, “you can always make room for more.”