Extra roles for Merrill vice-chairmen

Allison, 56, joined Merrill in 1971 and announced his retirement last week. It is understood that the number two job behind chairman David Komansky may be left open for a year or more. In the interim, Hammerman will assume responsibility for human resources, operations services, marketing and communications and will continue to oversee the general council's office. Steffens will take on 'additional management responsibilities'. Michael Read has been appointed deputy chairman at Greig Middleton, the investment manager and stockbroker, following the retirement of Mark Sherriff last month. Read, a founder of Greig Middleton, is also currently chairman of the industry trade association APCIMS, and has been chairman of Greig Middleton's investment management division and a director of its financial services business. Sir Adam Ridley has been announced as the next director general of the London Investment Banking Association and will take up the position in January 2000. He succeeds Kit Farrow who retires after seven years at LIBA. Sir Adam is currently a member of the Council of Lloyds, deputy chairman of the Association of Lloyds Members, chairman of the Equitas Trust and deputy chairman of the National Charities Board. Marian Jusko, 43, is to replace Vladimir Masar as governor of the Slovak National Bank. Jusko became vice-governor with special responsibility for monetary policy when the bank was founded after the split of Czechoslovakia in 1993. Bruce Chapman, 57, has been appointed finance director of the Association of MBAs. Chapman was most recently finance director at B/E Aerospace.