Russell Investments hires Goldman Sachs exec to head up alts

Russell Investments is beefing up its alternatives strategy with a new hire to lead this important global focus for the firm.

As global head of alternatives, Ayesha Parra is working with the team to advance the firm’s alts platform globally, and also serves on the Operating Committee. She is based in New York.

Parra was previously with Goldman Sachs Asset Management for 19 years and most recently played a key role in the General Partner stakes team within the External Investing Group. During her time with the firm, she also held several leadership roles across business units, having earlier been a senior commodity portfolio manager within the Fixed Income Group.

At Russell Investments she is leading a team of alternatives specialists who incorporate private markets – set to grow into a $65 trillion opportunity according to a recent report from Bain -  into the firm’s solutions business to deliver more efficient diversification, as well as expand the firm's alternative capabilities.

“Ayesha’s expertise in portfolio management, product development, and distribution strategy will drive our efforts to deliver innovative solutions to clients,” said Kate El-Hillow, President and Chief Investment Officer at Russell Investments. “Her leadership and experience will leverage our network of alternatives specialists to develop solutions that help both institutional and retail investors tap into private market opportunities.”