New Hire Roundup: Legg Mason Names Hoops Head of Business Development

This week in personnel announcements and new hires, Thomas Hoops was named head of business development at Legg Mason; Michelle Borré and her team of analysts have joined OppenheimerFunds’ global multi-asset group (GMAG); Chris Blair joined Mercer’s San Francisco office as principal and the firm named Toby Buscombe global head of infrastructure investments; and the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB) announced that it is seeking applicants for its board of directors.

Also, Akin Gump announced eight promotions among its attorneys; Goldman Sachs Asset Management welcomed Nadia Papagiannis, Investor Protection Trust named a new trustee; and New York Life elected John Kim vice chairman and announced other organizational changes.

Legg Mason Welcomes Hoops

Legg Mason Inc. announced Monday that Thomas Hoops has joined the firm as executive vice president and head of business development. He will have responsibility for working with senior management and investment affiliates to determine key investment product capabilities for the firm, and to develop retail products in conjunction with the global distribution team. He will also be a member of the executive committee, and will report to Joseph Sullivan, president and CEO.

Hoops joins from Wells Fargo Corp., where he was most recently head of affiliated managers for Wells Fargo Asset Management, a position he held since 2009. Previously, he was chief operating officer of Evergreen Investments and Wachovia Global Asset Management, based in London and Charlotte. He has also been director of corporate development for Wachovia Corp. and chief investment officer of Wachovia Strategic Ventures. Prior to joining Wells Fargo/Wachovia, he was a managing director at a boutique investment bank that specialized in M&A advisory for emerging growth and middle-market companies and their owners. He began his career as a credit analyst at First Union National Bank in Charlotte.

Borré, Team Join Global Multi-Asset Group at OppenheimerFunds

OppenheimerFunds announced that Michelle Borré and her team of analysts have joined the firm’s global multi-asset group (GMAG) led by Mark Hamilton, CIO of asset allocation.

Borré joined the firm in 2003 as a senior research analyst on the value investment team. She is currently the portfolio manager of Oppenheimer Capital Income Fund and Oppenheimer Flexible Strategies Fund. The fundamental processes of both funds will remain the same. Borré’s team of three analysts will continue to report directly to her and she will report directly to Hamilton.

Blair Joins Mercer in San Francisco; Buscombe Named to Succeed Chester

Mercer has announced that Chris Blair has joined its San Francisco office as principal in its defined contribution advisors specialty group. He will provide advisory services to defined contribution plan clients in the Northern California market. He reports to Christopher Renz, partner and San Francisco health and benefits practice leader.

Blair joins Mercer from AUL/OneAmerica, where he led the firm’s Northern California retirement services office. Earlier in his career he held leadership positions at the Principal Financial Group, Union Bank of California and Schwab Retirement Services.

Mercer also announced that Toby Buscombe has been named global head of infrastructure investments. Buscombe, with more than 10 years of experience in direct investment experience focused on infrastructure, other real assets and private equity, succeeds Karen Chester, who has been appointed by the federal treasurer and governor general of Australia to be a commissioner of the Australian Productivity Commission.

MSRB Seeks Board Applicants

The board of directors of the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board is seeking applicants for seven board positions that will begin on Oct. 1. The board, which is made up of 21 members, is seeking to appoint three public members and four regulated members, one of whom must be a municipal advisor.

Applicants representing regulated entities must be affiliated with a broker-dealer, bank or municipal advisor registered with the MSRB. Applicants representing the public must not be affiliated with municipal securities dealers or municipal advisors. All applicants must be knowledgeable on matters related to the municipal securities market. MSRB Rule A-3 on board membership discusses the nomination and election process, including provisions about eligibility and requirements. Applications must be submitted no later than Feb. 24.

Akin Gump Announces Eight Promotions

Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP has announced the promotion of eight attorneys to the partnership, effective January 1.