Towers Watson has appointed Craig Baker to the new role of global chief investment officer (CIO).

He will be responsible for the development and consistency of the firm’s investment philosophy and process.

“Baker’s role as global CIO for our whole investment business brings together all of our research and portfolio construction resources,” said Chris Ford, global head of investment at Towers Watson.

“There are significant advantages to be gained by establishing a level playing field between alpha, smart-beta and bulk-beta investments, as well as by treating risk management as a source of value creation rather than only considering return generation.”

Additionally, the firm has appointed Chris Mansi to the new role of global delegated CIO, with responsibility for the construction and management of delegated clients’ portfolios.

“In an increasing number of jurisdictions our clients are asking us to augment their internal resources by taking on the responsibility for implementing part of or their entire portfolio through a delegated or outsourced CIO service,” said Ford.

Baker and Mansi between them have worked in most areas of the Towers Watson investment business during their tenures of 20 and 15 years respectively.