Ric van Weelden, head of European business development at Watson Wyatt, has departed the consulting group to join Denver-based fund manager Janus Capital, as part of its efforts to build its profile outside the US.

Van Weelden is going to Janus to head up international consultant relations, and will report directly to Erich Gerth, chief executive of the London-based office for its business outside the US. He will also work with Carolyn Patton, global director of consultant relations.