Northern Trust Asset Management has hired a new head of institutional sales for North America.

John Abunassar joins from investment bank William Blair, where he held a similar institutional sales and distribution role.

Based in Chicago, Abunasser will work to build on new and existing client relationships with Northern Trust’s corporate, sovereign, government and family office clients.

“John is a results-driven executive who brings transformational leadership experience,” said Jason Tyler, executive vice president and head of the institutional group at Northern Trust Asset Management.

“His background in the alternatives segment and his understanding of the institutional investment community make him a terrific fit for this role as we continue growing our traditional and alternative solutions for investors.”