Ben Johnson, Morningstar's director of global exchange-traded fund research, will leave that role to become head of client solutions, asset management, effective July 1, a spokeswoman said.
In his new position, which is part of Morningstar's sales organization, Mr. Johnson will replace Laura Lutton, who has become the risk pillar lead of the product management group at Morningstar's Sustainalytics, a unit focused on environmental, social and governance ratings and research, the spokeswoman said.
Mr. Johnson will report to Julie Willoughby, head of enterprise sales and integrated client coverage, Americas.
"In this new role, Ben will lead Morningstar's go-to-market strategy and execution for the asset management segment, as well as continue to serve as an industry expert and thought leader," the spokeswoman said.
Mr. Johnson, who joined Morningstar as an equity research analyst in June 2006, said in an email Monday that after more than 16 years in research he's excited to take on a new challenge that allows him to build on his knowledge and continue his professional growth.
"I'll continue to be a familiar face in ETF circles and look forward to working with Morningstar's asset management clients as they build out and bolster their ETF offerings," he said.
Morningstar has no plans to fill the director of global ETF research role following Mr. Johnson's move, the spokeswoman said. Bryan Armour, director of passive strategies research for North America, will report to Timothy Strauts going forward. Mr. Strauts has been appointed head of manager research, North America, effective July 15.
Sarah Bush, who previously served as head of manager research, has moved to a new role at Morningstar as director of investor relations. Ms. Bush replaced Barbara Noverini, who left Morningstar, the spokeswoman said.
