Frank Wheeler was hired as a senior managing director and head of distribution at FAF Advisors, confirmed spokeswoman Cheryl Stone. He will be responsible for retail, institutional and strategic sales as well as marketing, communications and public relations. He reports to CEO Thomas Schreier.
Mr. Wheeler replaces both Jim Greenawalt, who was head of distribution until his death in July 2006, and Jon Stevens, senior managing director and head of public relations. Mr. Stevens now oversees technology, operations and investment administration and reports to CIO Mark Jordahl.
Mr. Wheeler was managing director and head of institutional marketing at Merrill Lynch Investment Managers. Brian Beades, spokesman at Merrill parent company BlackRock, did not return a call for comment.