Fidelity International has appointed Keith Metters as president, taking over the reins from Anne Richards after more than five years.
It was announced in November that Richards would be stepping down as chief executive. However, she has remained as CEO during the transitional period until Metters’ appointment on 1 March.
She will remain at Fidelity as vice-chair, focusing on helping the firm to strengthen its external relationships and strategic partnerships.
In her place, the firm has appointed Metters who joined Fidelity four years ago as global head of platform solutions. Rather than CEO, his title will be president and he will report to Fidelity chair Abigail Johnson.
Previously, Metters spent 20 years at US investment company Fidelity Investments where he led its workplace investing core market division.
Johnson said: “Keith steps into this role at an important time for our business. Our focus is on delivering both the core investment capabilities we are known for, while continuing to build out those capabilities we know our clients need both now and in the future.
“Keith’s deep knowledge of the Fidelity business, his relentless focus on the customer, and his rigour around operational effectiveness make him perfectly suited to lead the Fidelity International business into this exciting next phase in its history.”
Writing on LinkedIn, Richards added: “Having worked with Keith for the last four year(s) in his current role as global head of platform solutions, I know that his experience and client focus are exactly the skills we need to lead Fidelity International in the next phase of its growth.
“I am looking forward to returning to the role of vice-chair after a six-month break to focus on helping Keith and Fidelity with key external relationships and our strategic partnerships.”
Fidelity International offers its services to over 2.9 million customers worldwide across more than 25 countries.
The firm has US$776 billion in assets under management and works with central banks, sovereign wealth funds, financial institutions, insurers and wealth managers.
