Thomas D. Witz was named CIO of Jefferies Asset Management, a new...

Thomas D. Witz was named CIO of Jefferies Asset Management, a new position, according to Tom Tarrant, spokesman. "Asset management is an important growth area for Jefferies, and Tom Witz is a valuable addition to this effort," Richard B. Handler, CEO of parent Jefferies Group, said in a news release. Jefferies Asset Management has roughly $3 billion under management. Mr. Witz was managing director of investments and trading at Paloma Partners Management. Paloma Partners spokesman Hal Lux declined to comment.

Len Brennan was named principal and COO of Rainier Investment Management, said spokesman Tucker Hewes. Mr. Brennan assumes the COO title from Rainer's president, Glenn Haber, to whom he will report, according to a news release. Mr. Brennan left Russell Investment Group May 30 after 20 years with the firm, said Russell spokesman Chris Phillips. Most recently, Mr. Brennan oversaw worldwide third-party distribution as managing director, individual investor services, and he was president of Frank Russell Investment Management, Russell Funds Distributors and Frank Russell Investment Co. He was replaced in each position by Greg Stark.

Takanori Hiramoto was named president of Credit Suisse Asset Management's Japanese division, according to a news release. Shogo Yamaguchi, the division's current president, will become deputy country head and head of investments as CSAM consolidates its Japanese investment business. Mr. Hiramoto was president of Baring Asset Management's Japan business for the last six years. Isamu Kajino, Credit Suisse spokesman, could not be reached for immediate comment. Officials at Baring could not be reached by press time.