Appointments

JAPAN - First State Investments has opened an office in Japan and hired a new director of institutional business to help expand its reach in the institutional and pension fund market.

Buck Consultants has appointed Fraser Smart as its UK managing director with immediate effect.

GLOBAL - J.P Morgan, MLC, F&C Investments, FinAnalytica, GSAM and AP3.

Xafinity Claybrook has promoted Michael Payten to managing director after the retirement of the firm's founder and current MD Ron Barker.

SWEDEN - AP3 chief investment officer Erik Valtonen is to step down after 10 years with the fund.

Newton Investment Management has appointed Mark Hammond to its pooled funds sales team and named James Blake as account manager.

The National Association of Pension Funds has elected two members to its 19-strong investment council.

Policy adviser Ros Altmann is set to join the Saga Group in the newly-created role of director general at the start of October.

Aon Consulting has hired Geraldine Brassett as client director in its pension administration team.

GLOBAL - J.P. Morgan Asset Management has expanded its bond team with the appointment of Nick Gartside to the new role of international chief investment officer of fixed income.