KB Associates, the boutique operational consultancy firm, this week announced the appointment of Andrew Ritchie (pictured) as an executive director. Richie is joining the firm’s London office where he will be responsible for advising asset managers on the structuring of investment funds in addition to providing managers with advice on a range of compliance, operational and governance issues. KB Associates offers expertise in advisory and project management services across UCITS funds, traditional non-UCITS funds, hedge funds and FoHFs. In his new role, Richie’s key focus will be on advising managers looking to establish UCITS funds or regulated hedge funds, the latter of which are becoming increasingly popular under the SIF structure in Luxembourg and QIF structure in Ireland. Ritchie has over 20 years’ experience in financial services. He previously worked as European Head of Business Development for Alternative Fund Services at HSBC’s fund administration and custody business and also served as a director in Merrill Lynch’s prime brokerage division. His most recent role was managing director at IDS Tennyson. “We are excited that Andrew has chosen to join KB Associates,” commented Managing Principal Mike Kirby. “He brings a depth of industry knowledge and expertise which I am confident will be of benefit to KBA, and more importantly to our clients, as we continue to grow our UK business.”