UK - Anthony Simpson, managing director at Merrill Lynch's Insurance and Pension Solutions unit, is to leave to join Ramius HVB, IPE has found.

Ramius HVB Partners is a joint venture between Ramius of the US and German HypoVereins Bank (HVB) that provides fund of hedge funds.

Simpson confirmed that he will leave the firm, but emphasised that he is still "very much employed at Merrill Lynch".

Ramius HVB's marketing department in Vienna say they did not know anything about the move.

He previously worked as global head of transition management prior to becoming head of pensions at the firm. It is unclear what his new role will be.