Russell Investments Expands Retail and Solutions Leadership to Drive Channel Innovation

Russell Investments today announced key senior leadership appointments aimed at strengthening its advisor and wealth management platform and enhancing the delivery of portfolio solutions across the retail channel.

Russell Investments has steadily grown its presence in the advisor space since launching its first model portfolios in 1985. Today, the firm is a top five provider of model portfolios for advisors and its increasing traction in wealth reflects rising demand for integrated, outcome-oriented solutions—and builds on the foundation already established by its advisor distribution team across US & Canada (Morningstar US Model Portfolio Landscape, 2025).

“Advisors today are under pressure to do more to deliver better outcomes, to manage tax impact, and to scale their practice efficiently,” said Zach Buchwald, Chairman and CEO. “Russell Investments can help with all of that. We bring institutional-caliber tools and portfolio expertise to the advisor’s world. Today’s leadership appointments reflect our investment in the business and our commitment to delivering even more for advisors.”

Russell Investments continues to invest in modern, outcome-oriented solutions tailored to advisors. In June, the firm launched five multi-manager ETFs — built on decades of expertise, designed to meet the evolving needs of today’s investors. As of August 6, these ETFs have $357 million in assets under management.

Emily Steinbarth and Brad Jung Named Co-Heads of North America Advisor & Intermediary Services

Emily Steinbarth has been appointed Co-Head of North America Advisor & Intermediary Services (AIS), joining Brad Jung in leading the firm’s advisor business across the U.S. and Canada. Both report to Buchwald and serve on the firm’s Executive Committee. 
Steinbarth, formerly Chief of Staff to the CEO, brings strong experience in product strategy, investments, and client and corporate strategy. In her new role, she will lead the firm’s strategic accounts team, and RIA and platform relationships, while accelerating time-to-market for ETF and model portfolio solutions.

“Emily’s impact on how we prioritize and execute as a firm has been enormous,” said Buchwald. “Together, she and Brad bring a powerful mix of strategic focus and client insight to this space – with Emily helping expand our product and channel strategy, and Brad continuing to lead advisor engagement and go-to-market execution.”

Jung, a 20-year veteran of Russell Investments who has led the AIS business for the past five years, will continue to lead the firm’s advisor distribution strategy and sales team. He remains the primary interface with advisors and platforms, bringing the voice of the client directly into how the business evolves. This expanded leadership structure builds on Brad’s work and adds further support to accelerate the next phase of growth.

Wealth Innovation: Ravi Arulanantham to Lead Strategy & Solutions

To further strengthen the firm’s wealth platform, Ravi Arulanantham has been appointed Global Head of Wealth Strategy & Solutions. A key architect of the firm’s product strategy, Arulanantham will lead the continued development of Russell Investments’ wealth offering—including ETFs, SMAs, interval funds, and model portfolios—ensuring alignment with evolving advisor needs and accelerating innovation across the platform.

Global Innovation: Shweta Narasimhadevara Joins as Chief Solutions Officer (CSO)

As part of the firm’s commitment to innovation and strategic focus, Shweta Narasimhadevara has joined Russell Investments in the newly created role of Chief Solutions Officer (CSO) which includes management of the Global Product team. Based in New York and reporting to President and Chief Investment Officer Kate El-Hillow, Narasimhadevara will oversee the strategy, development, and commercialization of products and solutions across Russell Investments’ wealth, institutional, and alternatives channels and ensuring deeper integration across its business lines.

Narasimhadevara brings over two decades of investments experience, including in product strategy across public and private markets, and alternatives, having previously held senior leadership roles at State Street, Bank of New York, and Barclays. At State Street, she led high-profile strategic partnerships with firms such as Apollo and Bridgewater, helping to expand that firm’s alternatives platform.

“Shweta’s ability to connect investment innovation with client outcomes is exactly what we need to elevate our global platform,” said El-Hillow. “She will help ensure that what we build – whether for institutional clients, advisors, or individuals – is deeply aligned with how investors actually want to invest.”