Mercer has restructured its Asia executive team as part of the group's push for growth in the region.

The company has promoted Garry Hawker to the newly created role as regional director for national funds, Asia Pacific, while Alan Flynn will lead the firm's businesses across the Asia-ex Japan region.

Hawker previously led Mercer's investment consulting business in Asia. He also chaired Mercer's investment manager research activities in the region.

Hawker will focus on providing advice to the large funds in Asia including the sovereign wealth funds.

"We felt there was a fundamental opportunity for Garry to capitalise on the deep expertise he has gained in working with numerous mega-funds and to devote his efforts to serving this demanding and regionally as well as internationally important group of investors," Mercer investment consulting business Asia Pacific leader Tony Cole said.

In November 2007, Mercer scored a mandate with China's larges insurance company, Ping An Insurance. Under the deal, Mercer would provide investment consulting to the insurer's asset management business, Ping An Asset Management.

Cole said the win was significant and a credit to Flynn's management and expertise.

"Alan has demonstrated considerable acumen in working with our clients across Asia to provide investment solutions in markets which present significant challenges particularly regulatory ones," Cole said.