Morningstar picks Daniel Needham as new head for Europe

Morningstar UK Ltd, a subsidiary of Morningstar, Inc. has named Daniel Needham as global chief investment officer of Morningstar Investment Management and managing director of Morningstar Investment Management Europe.

He will oversee the investment management and consulting operations in Europe, including Morningstar OBSR and Morningstar Investment Consulting France, as well as chairing Morningstar Investment Management’s Global Investment Policy Committee, which oversees all global investment capabilities, committees, and processes.

He reports to Thomas Idzorek, president of Morningstar Investment Management.

Previously, Needham served as managing director and chief investment officer, Asia-Pacific, where he led the firm’s research, asset allocation, and portfolio management capabilities. He will continue to oversee the investment management capabilities in the region, including chairing the Australian investment committee until the appointment of a new chief investment officer, Asia-Pacific, who will report to Needham.

Idzorek said the firm has been working to unite its investment management professionals around the world. Needham’s promotion reflects his success in Asia and the importance the firm now places on building the European business.

Needham joined Morningstar in 2009 when the company acquired Intech Pty Ltd (Intech Investments), where he had worked since 2002. The unit was renamed Ibbotson Associates Australia in 2010. He served as chief investment officer, Asia-Pacific from 2012, was managing director of Ibbotson Associates Australia from 2010, and chief investment officer from 2008. Prior to joining Intech Investments, Needham was an analyst for Zurich Financial Services in Sydney.

Needham will relocate to London later this year, after the company names a new chief investment officer for Asia-Pacific.