Russell Investments has appointed Nicole Connolly as director of alternatives consulting in a move that hopes to strengthen the firm's alternative investment capacity in Australia.

Ms Connolly joins Russell from Telstra Super where she was the portfolio manager for alternative assets. In her new role, she will be responsible for undertaking due diligence on alternative investment strategies, including funds and fund of funds, as well as working with clients on formulating and implementing alternative investment programs, the company said in a statement.

Alternative assets have been gaining traction as more investors deviate from traditional methods in the wake of the global financial crisis.

Welcoming Ms Connolly to the team, Greg Liddell, the head of investment consulting, said that her appointment underpins Russell's drive to enhance the breadth of its consulting advice. It also follows the recent relocation of Marty Lambs from Sydney to Singapore to become the director of Asia Pacific real estate investments, as part of the firm's drive to increase exposure to illiquid alternative investments and build a global alternatives team.

Russell has $196 billion in assets under management as of 31 December 2009.