Former IOOF chief executive Ron Dewhurst has been appointed senior managing director and head of international asset management for United States investment management group Legg Mason.
Dewhurst, who will join the firm on February 11, will focus on the growth of Legg Mason's business outside the US, working with the group's investment subsidiaries and distribution units throughout Europe, Asia and the Americas.
He will maintain offices in Melbourne and London.
"Under Ron's leadership we expect to capture more value in markets where we are already present and to extend our reach to new markets," Legg Mason president and chief executive Mark Fetting said.
"Ron's deep expertise in investment services and his experience across global markets make him an important addition to our leadership team."
Dewhurst, who departed IOOF in April last year, was previously JP Morgan Fleming Asset Management's head of Americas in New York.
Before leaving Australia for the US, Dewhurst was ANZ McCaughan Securities managing director and also headed businesses for JP Morgan in Asia, Europe and the US.
"Helping Legg Mason to optimise its global franchise is a unique opportunity for me, and I look forward very much to getting started," Dewhurst said.
