Standard & Poor's Ratings Services, the international financial services ratings agency, has appointed a new chief economist for Asia-Pacific.

Paul Gruenwald will be based in Singapore, reporting jointly to Paul Sheard, the chief global economist and head of global economics research, and Yu-Tsung Chang, the executive managing director and head of Asia-Pacific. 

Gruenwald was previously a chief economist for Asia-Pacific at Australia and New Zealand Banking Group. He also worked for the International Monetary Fund.

The appointment underscores the company's continuing efforts to expand its analytical coverage in the region, said Standard & Poor in a statement. In addition to his role, Gruenwald will also served as the primary spokesperson for all macro-economic matters concerning Asia-Pacific.