Press Releases

UK - October 13, 2009 - Watson Wyatt, a leading global consulting firm, has promoted Damien Loveday to global head of hedge fund research, taking on the role from Craig Baker, who also leads the wider global manager research team. The role is one of four global manager research leadership roles, the others being bonds (Margaret Frost), equities (Martin Knowles) and private markets (Jane Welsh).  Damien, who has a CFA qualification, joined Watson Wyatt from the Royal Bank of Scotland Asset Management’s multi-manager team three years ago. His appointment was effective from 1 October 2009 and he will report to Craig Baker.

Craig Baker, global head of manager research at Watson Wyatt, said: “We still believe in the ability of highly talented investors to adapt to this changing environment. While the crisis has exposed many hedge funds that are not structured to add value for investors, it is an industry that still has a high proportion of the world’s most talented investors capable of delivering value in difficult markets. Damien’s appointment is part of an ongoing strategy to identify those hedge fund managers that can generate strong net risk-adjusted returns and we welcome him to the global manager research leadership team.”

Increasing interest and activity in hedge funds from Watson Wyatt’s clients has resulted in the need to significantly increase the number of consultants dedicated to hedge fund research. The hedge fund research team is structured along four specialist areas, with Damien Loveday continuing to head the fixed income hedge fund team, Leon Beukes heading the long/short equity and multi-strategy hedge fund teams and Craig Stevenson heading the fund of hedge fund team.

For further information please contact:
Paul Deane-Williams
Head of Public Relations - Investment and Insurance & Financial Services
Watson Wyatt Limited
+44 (0)1737 274397
paul.deane-williams@watsonwyatt.com

Visit Watson Wyatt's online press office: www.watsonwyatt.com/europe/news/journalists

About Watson Wyatt Investment Consulting
Watson Wyatt Investment Consulting, a division of Watson Wyatt, is focused on creating financial value for institutional investors through independent, best-in-class investment advice. We are specialist investment professionals who provide co-ordinated investment strategy advice based on expertise in risk assessment, strategic asset allocation, and investment manager selection. Watson Wyatt Investment Consulting provides investment advice to some of the worlds largest pension funds and institutional investors, and has over 550 associates in Europe, the Americas and Asia.

In the US investment advisory and investment consulting services are provided by Watson Wyatt Investment Consulting, Inc., which is a subsidiary of Watson Wyatt Worldwide Inc. Watson Wyatt Investment Consulting, Inc., is a registered investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Watson Wyatt (NYSE, NASDAQ: WW) is the trusted business partner to the worlds leading organisations on people and financial issues. The firms global services include: managing the cost and effectiveness of employee benefit programs; developing attraction, retention and reward strategies; advising pension plan sponsors and other institutions on optimal investment strategies; providing strategic and financial advice to insurance and financial services companies; and delivering related technology, outsourcing and data services. Watson Wyatt has 7,700 associates in 33 countries and is located on the Web at www.watsonwyatt.com.