BNY Mellon has appointed Jonathan Little and Mitchell Harris as co-heads of its asset management unit on an interim basis after president and chief executive officer Ronald P O'Hanley left the company recently.

Little is the vice chairman of BNY Mellon Asset Management and represents the asset management on the firm's executive committee. Harris is the chairman of the fixed income, cash and currency group. Both gentlemen will keep their present roles as they assume their new responsibilities and will report to Robert P Kelly, the firm's chairman and CEO.

"I'm pleased that we will have the benefit of Jon and Mitchell's leadership during this transition period. We will conduct a comprehensive search to find the very best person to ensure we continue to capitalize on the terrific growth prospects that lie ahead for our asset management business globally," said Kelly in a statement.

O'Hanley has moved on to become president of asset management and corporate services at Fidelity Investments.