Richard Romer-Lee's has been appointed as managing director of Morningstar’s investment consulting operations across Europe.

Romer-Lee (pictured) takes on responsibilities for OBSR in the UK, Morningstar Associates Europe, and Seeds in France.

Elsewhere, Hal Ratner has been named chief investment officer for Morningstar's European investment advisory practice, reporting to Richard Romer-Lee and Thomas Idzorek, global chief investment officer for Morningstar's Investment Management division.

Ratner previously worked as portfolio manager and senior research consultant for Morningstar in the US.

Nigel Whittingham remains managing director OBSR, and Charles Barnick remains managing director of Morningstar Associates Europe, including Seeds. Both will report to Richard Romer-Lee.

Nigel Whittingham will focus on Morningstar's investment consulting business in the UK, Ireland, and Africa, while Charles Barnick will focus on continental Europe and the Middle East.

Morningstar's European investment consulting business counts about 30 investment professionals with experience in key European markets. It offers local capabilities in the areas of fund selection, portfolio construction, asset allocation, risk management, and alternative investments.