Mercer Names Global Head of Investment Research

Clarke will lead Mercer’s professionals who ensure the effective supply of both strategic and manager research to clients. The role will include responsibility for manager research, oversight of strategic research, and asset allocation analysis.

“As one of our most experienced and senior investment leaders, Deb is ideally positioned to assume this major research responsibility at Mercer,” said Phil de Cristo, president of Investments. “The ability to integrate manager research and strategic research has never been more important, given the volatile investment environment. Drawing upon her experience and insights, as global head of Investment Research, Deb will be leading one of the most highly regarded global research teams as we help our clients navigate current market challenges.”

Clarke joined Mercer in 2005 and most recently has been global leader of Mercer’s Equity Boutique, a unit within Mercer’s investment consulting business. Based in London, in that role she managed a group of more than 30 asset class specialists around the world who research a broad range of equity strategies.

She has specialized in researching global and global emerging market equity managers. She also chairs Mercer’s International Rating Review Committee and is a member of the Asia Pacific Rating Review and Mainstream Asset Investment Committees. She works with a broad range of clients, advising on portfolio construction and manager selections.

Prior to joining Mercer, Clarke was a senior investment consultant at Watson Wyatt, and previously was a fund manager for 20 years, which included responsibility as head of equities at Friends Ivory & Sime.

Separately, Divyesh Hindocha, senior partner and global director of Consulting, responsible for Mercer’s strategic research capabilities globally, will join Schroders in the UK as global head of Product and Defined Contribution, effective November 1, 2013.