The asset management arm of Geneva-headquartered Pictet has filled the role vacated by its long-serving institutional business head.

Pictet Asset Management has hired Niall Quinn as its new global head of institutional business (excluding Japan), replacing Christoph Lanter who is retiring after 17 years with the firm.

Quinn was most recently managing director of Eaton Vance Management International, responsible for all operations outside North America, with a focus on institutional business development.

He brings over 20 years of industry experience and will take up his new London-based position at the end of February.

Laurent Ramsey, managing partner of the Pictet Group and chief executive of Pictet Asset Management, said: “His appointment marks a step up in our institutional business effort globally.”

Last week, Pictet Asset Management hired Cyril Benier as a senior investment manager within its Geneva-based small cap equities team. Also in Geneva, Simon Gottelier, Peter Lingen and Christian Roessing joined as senior investment managers within the firm's thematic equities team.