Brett Hammond was named managing director, head of index applied research at MSCI, confirmed spokesman Nick Connors.
It is a new position. The division supports MSCI's index business, specifically through applying innovations in global indexing to institutional portfolios.
Mr. Hammond will report to Remy Briand, managing director and global head of index and ESG research.
Mr. Hammond was chief investment strategist at TIAA-CREF Asset Management. A search for his replacement is under way, said a TIAA-CREF spokesman.