Barclays Global Investors has announced that Nigel Williams is to retire from his role as chief executive of Europe and Asia (excluding Japa...

Barclays Global Investors has announced that Nigel Williams is to retire from his role as chief executive of Europe and Asia (excluding Japan) in mid-2007. David Semaya, a senior executive who is currently president and chief executive of BGI Japan Trust and Banking Co, will replace him in this role. Mr Williams will be actively assisting Mr Semaya in a transition of responsibilities until Mr Semaya begins the new role in April 2007. Ross Hikida, currently chief investment officer for BGI Japan, has been named as the successor to Mr Semaya in Japan, and will take up the position in early 2007. Blake Grossman, BGI chief executive, said:“Our strategic focus on Europe will continue under David’s leadership. We see fixed income strategies, including those tailored around pension fund liabilities, alternatives, and exchange-traded funds as key areas for investment innovation and growth in 2007.”