Australian Unity Personal Financial Services (AUPFS) announced it has recruited Jeff Mitchell as head of investment research.
Steve Davis, chief executive officer of Australian Unity, said advisers need to be further educated on investment options, asset allocation and portfolio construction.
"The appointment of Jeff will ensure that our advisers have an expert resource in these very important areas, and will also ensure that our recommended list of investments is best-of-breed, enabling robust portfolio construction," he said.
Mr Davis said the newly-created position is a response to advisers' demands for more assistance in building appropriate portfolios for clients.
"The appointment of Jeff complements our philosophy of engaging highly experienced professionals, with hands-on experience in front of clients, to provide support for our advisers," he said.
Mr Mitchell has experience in investment management and research, having worked most recently as director of fund services and co-head of wealth management for Australia at Standard & Poors, AUPFS said.
Mr Mitchell has also spent time in an advisory role, working with high-net worth clients in a boutique financial planning practice, as well as developing and managing their investment process.
