John Abunassar was named CEO of Allegiant Asset Management, the...

John Abunassar was named CEO of Allegiant Asset Management, the investment management arm of National City Bancorp, in addition to his roles as president and head of institutional business, Mr. Abunassar said. He replaces Ted Parker, who was named president and CEO of National City in Michigan. Mr. Abunassar will now be responsible for the entire asset management company, which includes both the institutional and Allegiant Funds retail businesses. Mr. Abunassar said he has been focused on institutional sales, consultant relationships, client service, marketing and product management since joining the company last year. Over the last 16 months, he added, the firm has rebuilt its sales and client services, added new investment teams and personnel and, in June, rebranded itself as Allegiant from National City Investment Management. The firm has roughly $25 billion in assets under management.

Hywel George was named managing director and CIO of London-based equities for Morgan Stanley Investment Management, according to a news release. He takes over the responsibilities of David Germany, managing director and CIO of global fixed income, said spokesman Chad Peterson. Mr. Germany was responsible for the London equity operations on an interim basis since January, when Richard Davidson left the company. Mr. George, who will oversee the investment strategies for London-based equity investors and U.S.-based international equity investors, will report to Joseph McAlinden, global equity CIO. Mr. George was most recently co-CIO of European equities for Goldman Sachs Asset Management. GSAM spokeswoman Nitya Bolam said Mark Beveridge, CIO of non-U.S. active equity, has taken over Mr. George's responsibilities in an expanded role.

Michael Bennett joined Boeing Co., Chicago, as senior manager-equities and fixed income for the company's $44 billion pension fund. He replaced Brad Leak, who was promoted to senior manager-investment strategy and asset allocation at Boeing earlier this year. Mr. Bennett was a financial analyst for the $40 billion pension fund of Ford Motor Co., Dearborn, Mich. Marcey Evans, Ford spokeswoman, declined to provide the name of his replacement, saying the company doesn't provide information about employees below the corporate officer level.

Lee A. Delaporte was appointed co-portfolio manager of the Dreman/Claymore Dividend & Income Fund at Dreman Value Management, according to a news release. Mr. Delaporte joined the firm in 2004 as a senior vice president and portfolio manager. David Dreman, chairman and CIO, did not respond to calls for comment by press time.

James P. "Bucky" Canales joined hedge fund-of-funds manager Octane Management as COO. The position is new. Octane manages about $1 billion for non-U.S. institutional clients. Mr. Canales was managing director and COO at Parker Global Strategies; he will not be replaced, said Virginia Parker, founder and managing member.

Bernie Knobbe, will join Countrywide Financial Corp., Pasadena, Calif., as senior vice president, benefits, on Dec. 12, he said. Mr. Knobbe will oversee the Countrywide 401(k) plan, with about $442 million in assets. He is currently senior director of global benefits for Gap Inc., San Francisco, overseeing its $436 million 401(k) plan. A Gap spokesman did not return a call seeking details on Mr. Knobbe's replacement.