US- JPMorgan Fleming Asset Management has promoted Paul Bateman to the position of chief executive officer worldwide. Previously Bateman was head of JP Morgan Fleming AM for Europe, Asia and Japan.

The appointment follows the decision of Ron Dewhurst, head of JPMorgan Fleming in the Americas, to return with his family to Australia.

Bateman, who has been with the company since 1967, will continue to report to Jes Staley, head of investment management and private banking at JP Morgan Chase. The change will become effective on 1st October 2002.

Dewhurst will remain a member of the Investment Management/Private Banking Executive Committee until the end of the year.

Jes Staley, head of investment management, said: “Paul Bateman brings one of the most distinguished careers in investment management to the stewardship of our worldwide asset management business.”