Parker associates fill DeAM's global posts

Parker recently moved from head of equities at parent Deutsche Bank and has brought with him Mark Cullen, former global chief operating officer in equities, who has taken the same title at the fund management arm. Roelfien Kuijpers, former head of strategic planning for equities, will become global head of strategic research and planning.

Tom Curtis, former US head of communications and strategy at Deutsche Bank, will become global head of business development. In the past, he has played a central role, making acquisitions and disposals for the bank. The three will join the fund manager's executive committee, leaving space for promotions or hires in Deutsche Bank's equity division.

Their arrival has triggered speculation that the skids could be under Paul Manduca, Deutsche Asset Management's head of Europe; Bill Shiebler, head of the US; and James Goulding, head of Asia. However, a Deutsche source said: "You should view the three as Kevin Parker's private office. Their arrival does not imply that changes will be made elsewhere."

Parker has yet to announce his plans for Deutsche Asset Management, following its poor performance in UK and European equities and the loss of several UK pension fund mandates. However, he is known to be interested in boosting its hedge fund operations.