28 Apr 2010
Lars “Jimmie” Asplund has joined Mercer investment consulting as global director of analytics, research and tools, it was announced by Andrew Kirton, Global Head of Mercer Investment Consulting.
Previously, Jimmie was with Morningstar where he played a major role in building their European business in 10 countries. At Morningstar, Asplund oversaw the development of fund research methodologies for Europe and throughout his tenure ran teams in product development, business development and data gathering across Europe. His association with Morningstar began in 1998 when he co-founded a Swedish internet fund research firm licensing the use of the Morningstar brand and methodologies. Morningstar acquired an ownership stake in the firm prior to forming their European business in 2000.
Asplund is a graduate of the State University of New York in Albany and holds an MBA degree from the Stockholm School of Economics (Handelshogskolan i Stockholm).
“This is an important appointment, in pursuit of mobilizing our significant technological and analytic capabilities to serve our clients,” said Mr. Kirton. “In this newly-created role, Jimmie will spearhead the evolution of Mercer’s global commercial strategy for the roll out of our suite of electronic tools, MercerInsightSM. Jimmie joins Mercer after managing his own consulting firm in New York, where he advised world-class clients in the financial services industry on issues of software, online strategy, technology, operations and product development. Increasingly, our clients are seeking integrated global solutions and this appointment reflects Mercer’s determination to be a leader in applying our global expertise and technology to meet client needs.”
Previously, Jimmie was with Morningstar where he played a major role in building their European business in 10 countries. At Morningstar, Asplund oversaw the development of fund research methodologies for Europe and throughout his tenure ran teams in product development, business development and data gathering across Europe. His association with Morningstar began in 1998 when he co-founded a Swedish internet fund research firm licensing the use of the Morningstar brand and methodologies. Morningstar acquired an ownership stake in the firm prior to forming their European business in 2000.
Asplund is a graduate of the State University of New York in Albany and holds an MBA degree from the Stockholm School of Economics (Handelshogskolan i Stockholm).
“I am thrilled to join Mercer investment consulting at a time where the need for thorough research and advice is perhaps greater than ever,” said Asplund. “The Mercer investment continuum, which provides access to Mercer’s intellectual capital through a full range of interconnected services, is an extremely powerful offering that enables clients around the world to operate successfully and where tools/technology will play an increasingly important role.”
