Mark Speciale assumes the role of head of institutional distribution for Asia-Pacific. Based in Singapore, he reports to Alan Harden, chief executive for BNY Mellon's Asia-Pacific investment management business, and PeterPaul Pardi, the head of global distribution for investment management based in London.

In this newly-created post, Speciale will be responsible for building out the firm's regional institutional sales strategy, client relationship management and consultant engagement. His focus is on strengthening and creating new partnerships with investors, including sovereign wealth funds, pension funds and insurance firms. He is also now part of the company's Asia-Pacific investment management executive committee and the Asia-Pac operating committee.

According to Harden, the new role was created at a time BNY Mellon is trying to expand its institutional solutions, relationships and client service business in the region.

"Asian institutional investors are increasingly looking to investment manager to prove that they have a deep understanding of their needs and provide real solutions to their problems. The winners in the region are going to be those who are closest to their clients," he said.

Speciale joined BNY Mellon from Capital International, where he was most recently senior vice president, head of sales and client service for Asia-Pacific ex-Japan.