Russell Investment Group announced today the appointment of Irshaad Ahmad as president and managing director of Russell Investments Canada, effective immediately. Ahmad, a 20-year investment industry veteran, will succeed Joe Perrin, who is leaving the company.

“Irshaad is well-known and highly respected in the Canadian investment industry, and I am delighted to have someone of his caliber leading our Canadian operations as we continue to enhance our investment services and commitment to clients,” said Craig Ueland, Russell Investment Group’s president and CEO. “He and the entire Canadian leadership team are well-positioned to continue the excellent results we have experienced in the Canadian market, and I have absolute confidence in his leadership of this important area of our business.”

Perrin leaves Russell after six years of distinguished service at the company. He played a major role in shaping and growing Russell’s business, including overseeing the recent acquisition of First Asset Advisory Services in Canada and the repositioning of the retail business.

“We thank Joe for his many contributions during his six years with Russell,” said Ueland. “He has been an important part of our success during a period in which Russell Canada’s revenues have more than doubled. Going forward, I’m confident that Irshaad and Russell Canada’s management team will continue to focus on improving and delivering our core value proposition and expertise to clients.”

Ahmad assumes this new role after spending the past two years leading Russell Canada’s institutional business, a position he will continue to hold. He has overseen the consulting and sales and service of institutional funds, alternative investments and implementation services. He joined Russell following a career at Mercer Canada, where he previously led Mercer’s investment consulting business in Toronto.