Mr. Ballet will be based in Tokyo and report to Baer Pettit, MSCI Barra's Global Head of Client Coverage and Marketing. Mr. Ballet joins MSCI Barra from Credit Suisse Asset Management, where he was the Japan Country Head, and President of Credit Suisse Trust & Banking Co., Ltd, Japan. Olivier D'Assier, currently Head of Japan, will be taking on a new role as MSCI Barra's risk analytics strategist for all of Asia. In his new role Mr. D'Assier will also report to Mr. Pettit.

Baer Pettit, Global Head of Client Coverage and Marketing of MSCI Barra said, "We are delighted to have someone of Philippe's caliber and experience joining our global client team. Philippe has deep roots in Japan and a solid understanding of the needs of Japanese investors. I am convinced he will help us serve clients in ever more focused ways."

"Our goal in Japan is to provide a comprehensive set of products, services and solutions to support the investment process of investors in all major asset classes. Philippe's proven leadership and management skills will provide the client focus necessary to make this goal a reality," said Henry Fernandez, President and CEO of MSCI Barra. "The hiring of Philippe Ballet and the recent introduction of the MSCI KOKUNAI Japan Equity Indices demonstrates our strong commitment to meeting the needs of clients in Japan. We are very pleased that Philippe has joined our strong and rapidly growing team at MSCI Barra."

"In the last two years, Olivier D'Assier has shown leadership during a period of significant change for the business," said Mr. Pettit. "Olivier's deep knowledge and understanding of our risk analytics products puts him in a unique position to help clients benefit from the solutions we deliver."