President and CIO
Russell Investments
For four decades, Russell Investments has reached individual investors through financial advisers, retirement plans and other go-betweens. But this year, the firm launched a suite of actively managed ETFs designed to be accessed directly by consumers.
"We view this as a pivotal moment for the firm," said Kate El-Hillow, Russell's president and chief investment officer, noting that the move opened new channels for growth. "It's not just about a new product line. It's a strategic shift that expands our relevance across a wider client spectrum."
The launch coincided with Russell's 40th anniversary of providing products for retail investors. The Seattle-based company, which manages assets of about $355 billion, attracted net investor inflows of $24 billion in 2024, the firm's strongest growth in more than a decade, according to El-Hillow. Revenue grew by double digits.