NETHERLANDS – Watson Wyatt has hired Deutsche Asset Management’s Gerard Roelofs as head of its investment consulting practice in the Netherlands, Watson Wyatt Brans.

He replaces Paul van Aalst, who had been with the firm for four and a half years. Van Aalst is leaving the company to lecture at the University of Amsterdam, a spokesman said.

The firm said Roelofs was previously managing director for strategic alliances at Deutsche Bank/Deutsche Asset Management. He was formerly Deutsche’s managing director for Benelux.

“I am very pleased to welcome Gerard to the firm,'' said Jobert Koomans, partner at Watson Wyatt Brans & Co.

“Gerard's experience covers all investment categories, corporate finance, funding, product development and multi-managers programs.

“He will drive the expansion of our investment consulting practice as we continue to strengthen our leading position in the market.''