Investment consultant Stamford Associates has appointed a former managing director at rival Russell Investments as its first chief executive.

Alexandra Haggard, a former Russell managing director for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, will share power with Stamford's veteran investment chief Nathan Gelber. She will also work with its business development head Guy Beech, appointed in October. Financial News reported at the time that the hire followed the firm's decision to step up a search for new business.