Russell Investments turned to two ex-Barclays Global Investors executives for key posts in its ETF business. The Tacoma, Washington-based firm hired James Polisson as managing director of the global ETF business and Andy Arenberg as managing director of global ETF distribution.

In a news release Monday, Russell officials noted that the new hires -- who started at Russell in mid-January -- played a key role in building BGI's global iShares business.

An index provider, Russell has licensing agreements with ETF sponsors including iShares, Direxionshares, ProShares, and Rydex ExpressShares.

With the hiring of Polisson and Arenberg, Russell hopes to complement existing relationships and develop other ETF opportunities, Russell CEO Andrew Doman said in the press release. Both report to Ron Bundy, managing director of Russell's global index business.

Polisson, who spent 11 years at BGI, was formerly BGI's chief marketing officer, with responsibilities encompassing BGI's iShares global business. Before joining the iShares arm, Polisson served as head of Global Operations Risk Management for two years.

Arenberg was most recently managing director in BGI's global eBusiness unit and served six years as managing director of channel marketing for BGI. Prior to BGI, Arenberg worked in the institutional business at Charles Schwab & Co. and served on the corporate strategy team. 

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