Pictet’s global head of fund and manager research, Mussie Kidane, is to move from his current role into a chief investment officer post in another part of the Swiss group, Citywire Selector revealed.

Kidane has led the fund selection offering since 2007, in which time his role expanded to a global remit, evolving from selection to more broad research at the start of 2020.

From 1 October, Kidane will serve as CIO of Pictet North American Advisors, which is aimed at offering investment stewardship to the group’s US and Canadian clients. It is understood Kidane will remain in Geneva.

A spokesperson for Pictet confirmed the change in role to Citywire Selector. But it was not made clear whether this role was created for Kidane or if he would be succeeding someone who previously filled the post.

Meanwhile, the process to find a successor for Kidane is under way. The new global head of fund and manager research is expected to be in place to coincide with Kidane’s move to the Pictet North American Advisors team.

Kidane is a multi-time cover star of Citywire Selector and was also recognised as being both the most influential fund selector in Switzerland and the entire pan-European region at a special ceremony held at Citywire Berlin 2021.

As head of fund and manager research, Kidane has remained a vocal commentator on market trends and has not shied away from discussing challenges. Speaking last year, he highlighted the creeping threat posed by illiquid allocations among more traditional investors, as well as the nuances of thematic investing.