EUROPE - Susan Douse, the former Watson Wyatt consultant who left to join Schroders, is to leave the asset management firm after six months in the job.

Douse, who ran Watson's Global Asset Study for 10 years, became global head of product management and consultant relationships at Schroders in March. Her move followed the Reigate-based pension consultant's decision to disband its global investment management services consulting team, which she headed.

At the time of her hire Richard Horlick, Schroders' global head of investment, said: "Susan brings enormous experience and insight to this role from her time at Watson Wyatt and will play a major part in further strengthening our relationships with investment consultants."

In addition, Schroders has named Virginie Maisonneuve as head of European, Asian and Far East equities. She will join in November and report to Ken Lambden, global head of equities.

"Virginie will be responsible for all global ex-US large cap equity mandates with a key aim to build Schroders' EAFE products on a global basis," the firm said.

She joins from Clay Finlay where she was co-chief investment officer. A French national, she has worked at Martin Currie, Batterymarch and State Street Research and Management.

The firm has also named Markus Ruetimann as head of operations, IT and facilities. He takes over from Lester Gray who has transferred to Asia.

Ruetimann is currently global head of operations and IT at UBS Global Asset Management - which he joined in 1975.

"Markus brings great expertise from his many years of experience in the field and will make a significant contribution to our business," said chief financial officer Jonathan Asquith.