BlackRock appoints Head of Asia Pacific

BlackRock has announced the appointment of Geraldine Buckingham as chair and head of Asia Pacific, effective February 2019.

Buckingham, who is currently BlackRock's global head of corporate strategy and a member of the firm's global executive committee, will succeed Ryan Stork who has been appointed deputy global chief operating officer, based in New York.

Commenting on her appointment, Laurence D. Fink, BlackRock's chair and CEO said: "Geraldine has earned respect around the globe for her deep insights and understanding of our industry and our clients' needs, particularly in Asia Pacific. She helped develop the firm's long-term growth strategy for China, and has been a key voice in our strategy for retirement, wealth, alternatives and sustainable investing."

Buckingham previously served as BlackRock's head of Americas corporate strategy and was named in Fortune Magazine and Crain's New York Business' "40 Under 40" lists for 2017. Prior to joining BlackRock in 2014, she was a partner with McKinsey & Company's financial services practice based in New York.

Of her new appointment, she said: "I am thrilled to be taking on this new challenge and will maintain a sharp focus on current priorities, while capitalizing on major growth opportunities to deliver the right mix of investment strategies for our clients."

Buckingham will relocate from New York to Hong Kong for the role.