Russell Investment Group (Russell) has merged the institutional and retail parts of its Australian and New Zealand operations into a single entity.
The new entity, Investor Services group, was created following demand by clients for access to both the retail and institutional markets.
"Restructuring our organisation to respond to our clients' need for services across the retail and institutional spectrum will enable us to provide a more seamless service and allow clients to receive the full benefit of our investment and superannuation expertise,"
Russell managing director Australasia Alan Schoenheimer said.
Russell's former head of retail investor services Chris Corneil will head up the new group.
Corneil will be joined by existing institutional and retail management staffers Joanna Davison, Andrew Lill, Patricia Curtin, Chris Briant and Ed Schuck.
The Russell Superannuation Services group, led by Linda Elkins, will remain unchanged.
"Our clients, industry consultants and associates no longer see the body of water between Australia and New Zealand as a dividing line. Closer integration of our Australian and New Zealand businesses is a natural evolution," Schoenheimer said.
Russell has A$260 billion in assets under management, and caters to institutional and adviser clients in more than 44 countries.
