Russell Investments today announced three new appointments within its actuarial consulting team including the promotion of Louise Campbell to Director and Head of Actuarial, and two new hires Bill Buttler, Director, and Margaret O’Halloran, Senior Consultant. The strengthening of the actuarial team will ensure the continued support of Russell’s superannuation and corporate clients in the current environment of increased regulatory complexity and volatile investment markets.
The latest appointments expand the number of dedicated actuarial staff employed in the team to 30, one of the largest teams in the industry. Russell’s actuarial consulting business has been at the forefront of innovation in assisting large corporate superannuation funds and public sector schemes – particularly supporting clients in managing their defined benefits liabilities. Russell actuaries consult to seven of the ten largest Australian corporate superannuation funds, as well as some of the largest institutions in the country, and provide advice to more than $80 billion of superannuation savings.
Russell Chief Executive Asia Pacific, Alan Schoenheimer, said: “The traditional role of the actuary is changing driven by the complexity of regulatory demands and uncertain investment markets. This has resulted in a reduced focus on number crunching and an increased focus on a more collaborative problem-solving approach.
“Russell is a multi-asset retirement solutions specialist and our actuarial consulting capabilities help us deliver the outcomes our clients demand,” Mr Schoenheimer said.
“As an asset manager, you can’t manage investments to a specific outcome unless you have a clear understanding of the potential risks you’re facing, and how to manage and mitigate those risks. Our actuaries provide critical information and advice.”
Ms Campbell’s promotion recognises her ongoing contribution to staff and client management since joining Russell in 2009. Ms Campbell has over 20 years’ experience in superannuation and benefits consulting. Prior to joining Russell she spent 18 years with Watson Wyatt (now Towers Watson).
Mr Buttler has more than 30 years’ superannuation and actuarial experience. He was previously a senior consultant at Rice Warner and prior to that an associate director at Deloitte. At Russell, Mr Buttler will focus on actuarial consulting to large complex defined benefit funds.
Ms O’Halloran also has over 20 years of superannuation experience with an intimate knowledge of the management of superannuation schemes. Ms O’Halloran will focus on insurance arrangements for Russell’s clients.
“Russell is focused on helping our clients reach their real goals. These appointments strengthen Russell’s capabilities to deliver multi-asset retirement solutions that respond to the changing market conditions” Mr Schoenheimer concluded.