IFM poaches Willis Towers’ COO

IFM Investors has announced the appointment of a new global head of product strategy and innovation, with Rekha Misra making the move from London-based insurance and investment giant WTW.

Remaining in London, Misra will be responsible for overseeing “the evolution of IFM’s global product capabilities”, the company said, “enhancing our product development strategy, identifying new market opportunities, and leading innovative initiatives to enhance our investment solutions”.

In her new role, Misra will report directly to IFM’s chief strategy officer Luba Nikulina, who oversees a team spanning the UK, Europe, the US, Asia, and Australia.

Nikulina recognised Misra’s extensive global experience in the asset management space, which, she added, would be “invaluable” to the global investment firm – notably owned by Australian pension funds – as it continues its expansion into key markets in North America, Asia, Europe and the UK.

“I look forward to Rekha’s leadership as we continue to explore new investment opportunities and innovations to bring them to market for the benefit of our clients,” Nikulina said.

A two-decade veteran of the global asset management sector, Misra’s most recent role was in overseeing WTW’s global operating platform for its investments business, which supports in excess of US$3 trillion (AU$4.6 trillion) of assets under advice and US$175 billion (AU$267) of assets under management.

Misra also held the COO and head of strategy role at New York-based Holland Capital between 2016 and 2018, and prior to this as global COO and head of funds and advisory Americas, at Barclays between 2010 and 2015.