BlackRock Inc Names Geraldine Buckingham as Head of APAC

BlackRock Inc, an American global investment management corporation, announced a change to its leadership team this Monday. Geraldine Buckingham, who is currently the corporate strategy chief, will take on the new role as Chair and Head of the company’s Asia Pacific operations.

The move is part of the companies efforts to increase its operations in China and the APAC region. In her new role, which will be effective from February next year, Buckingham will be relocating from New York to Hong Kong.

As Chair and Head of BlackRock Asia Pacific, Buckingham will be succeeding Ryan Stork, who will become Deputy Global Chief Operating Officer. According to BlackRock’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Laurence Fink, the APAC region is now one of the company’s “most critical priorities.”

Both Buckingham and Stork have been instrumental in creating the company’s APAC strategy, with Stork spending almost five years deepening the company’s presence in the region.

In her new role, Buckingham will work towards furthering Stork's efforts and drive growth in the region. Furthermore, she will also help BlackRock realize its longer-term ambitions, which is increasing its product range for clients who live or want to invest in the region.

“Geraldine has earned respect around the globe for her deep insights and understanding of our industry and our clients’ needs, particularly in Asia Pacific. She helped develop the firm’s long-term growth strategy for China, and has been a key voice in our strategy for retirement, wealth, alternatives and sustainable investing. Geraldine has the business expertise we need to drive our business forward,” Fink said.

Career and Education Highlights

At present, Buckingham is a Senior Managing Director and the Global Head of Corporate Strategy at BlackRock. She is also a member of the firm’s Global Executive Committee. Before joining the company in 2014, she was a partner with McKinsey & Company’s financial services practice. While she was employed with the firm, she was based in New York.

Buckingham holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degrees from Monash University. She also received the Rhodes scholarship to study at Oxford University. Here, she studied and earnt a Philosophy degree in Comparative Social Policy.

Commenting on her appointment, Buckingham added: “BlackRock’s business in Asia Pacific is extremely well positioned to meet our clients’ retirement and wealth needs, thanks to Ryan and his team."

“I am thrilled to be taking on this new challenge and will maintain a sharp focus on current priorities, while capitalizing on major growth opportunities to deliver the right mix of investment strategies for our clients.”