JP Morgan Asset Management has named Michael O'Brien to the newly created role of global head of institutional client group.

O'Brien officially steps into his London-based role on 27 September. Reporting directly to chief executive Mary Callahan Erdoes, he will be in charge of the firm's client coverage model as it takes a more global approach to asset allocation and investments. He will also be part of the executive committee.

Prior to this position, O Brien was head of the institutional investment management division of BlackRock, with responsibility over 12 regional markets across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

"An evolution is underway in the investment management arena whereby our clients around the world, be it a Sovereign Wealth Fund in Asia, a pension fund in the US, or an insurance company in Europe, are each looking for a global perspective on capital allocation from us, given our wide range of strong performing asset classes and absolute return strategies," Erdoes said in a statement.

JP Morgan Asset Management has around $1.7 trillion in assets under supervision and $1.2 trillion in assets under management as of 30 June 2010. Its roster of clients include institutions, retail investors, and high net worth individuals.