David Blumer was named senior managing director and head of EMEA at BlackRock, confirmed spokesman Jonathan Mullen.
It is a new position; he will start April 8. Mr. Blumer will take over the EMEA day-to-day operations from James Charrington, who will retain the title of chairman for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Mr. Blumer will report to Laurence Fink, chairman and CEO.
Mr. Charrington will assume a new role with a focus on regulation, governance and people, according to Mr. Mullen.
Mr. Blumer's responsibilities will include developing a strategic plan for EMEA, building strategic client and partner relationships, and ensuring the firm delivers strong investment returns, Mr. Mullen said in an e-mail.
Mr. Blumer will also serve as BlackRock's executive representative with the U.K. Financial Services Authority and will chair BlackRock's EMEA executive committee.
Mr. Blumer previously was chief investment officer at Swiss Re. In 2010, he also assumed the role of chairman of Admin Re, the Swiss Re business unit responsible for acquiring closed blocks of life insurance business. Guido Furer, previously head chief investment officer, took over the CIO role on Nov. 1, spokeswoman Brigitte Meier confirmed. John R. Dacey, Swiss Re's head of group strategy and strategic investments, was named chairman of Admin Re.