HARTFORD, Conn., Sept. 29, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Conning, Inc., a leading global provider of asset management solutions, services and research to the insurance industry, announced today that it will appoint Russell Büsst to a newly created position as its European Chief Investment Officer later this year.

Conning said that this strategic hire adds strong investment management expertise to enhance its global investment capabilities and builds on its solid foundation in London, Dublin and Cologne. On June 28, 2011, Conning announced a joint venture with Cathay Financial Holding Co. to provide institutional asset management services to insurers and other institutions in the Asia Pacific region.

"We are delighted that Russell will join Conning. I believe his experience will enhance our competitive position in an important market. He joins us following a comprehensive search and I am confident we found the strongest candidate to lead our European investment operations," stated Woody E. Bradford, Conning's President and Chief Operating Officer. "Russell is a dynamic and experienced investment executive who will drive our European strategy during a critical time for the industry as it manages the risks and opportunities brought about by regulatory change and market shifts. His focus on managing assets for the insurance industry combined with his commercial skills, developed over 25 years, will add a new dimension to Conning's continuing efforts to deliver the very best in service to the insurance industry."

"Russell's expertise — particularly his relationships in the Lloyd's market, in Bermuda, and across the diverse economies of Europe — will help shape our global investment strategy," said Richard L. Sega, Conning's Chief Investment Officer.

Mr. Büsst was most recently Chief Executive of Amundi's UK subsidiary and Head of UK Institutional Fixed Income within the London-based Global Fixed Income Team where, for the past 11 years, he and his team managed assets for a broad range of UK, US, Bermudian and European insurance market clients. Mr. Büsst has built his team's insurance assets significantly while developing a dominant position in the Lloyd's market. Additionally, he and his team expanded their client base into new geographic markets while broadening product offerings to include Global Investment products. Mr. Büsst previously served as Portfolio Manager for Premium Management Limited where he achieved consistently strong returns for his Lloyd's, and insurance company clients. He holds a Degree in Engineering and the Securities Industry Diploma.

About Conning

Conning (www.conning.com) is a leading asset manager for the insurance industry, with almost $77 billion in assets under management through its Hartford and Dublin investment centers as of June 30, 2011. For more than 25 years, Conning has built its asset management business to meet the investment and financial needs of insurers. The Company's unique combination of asset management, risk and capital management solutions and insurance research helps clients achieve their financial goals through the implementation of customized business and investment strategies. Founded in 1912, Conning is headquartered in Hartford, Connecticut, with additional offices in New York, London, Dublin, and Cologne.

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Teri James
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teri.james@conning.com

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