BlackRock said yesterday its chief equity strategist, Bob Doll, has decided to retire but will stay on to assist in the transition until the end of the month and will serve as an adviser to the firm through the end of the year.

Doll said he has decided that now is the right time for him to shift priorities and move to the next chapter of his life - including devoting more time to his family, faith and philanthropic interests, according to BlackRock spokeswoman Bobbie Collins.