Acadian Asset Management Australia, the joint venture between Boston-based Acadian Asset Management and Colonial First State Investments, has appointed a financial services veteran to the newly-created role of investment head.

David Walsh brings over 24 years of industry experience to the role, 15 of which involved senior Australian equity quantitative capacities. 

Dr Walsh joins from Baseline Capital, a local investment management consultancy firm which he founded. Before that, worked for the likes of BGI/BlackRock and State Street Global Advisors.

At Acadian Asset Management, he will be involved in all aspects of the firm's investment strategy, including factor research, trading and portfolio construction, while working closely with the company's US and Singapore investment teams.