Generali Asset Management Names New CEO & General Manager

Generali Asset Management has appointed Russell Büsst as its new chief executive officer (CEO), and Filippo Casagrande as general manager, the company announced on April 3, 2026. The appointments are intended to strengthen the asset manager’s focus on global third-party institutional and pension clients and reinforce its management structure as it continues to grow.

Büsst currently serves as CEO and chief investment officer (CIO) for the European operations of Conning, a subsidiary of Generali Investments acquired in 2024, according to a report by Citywire. Casagrande will take on the newly created role of general manager.

Leadership Changes at Generali Asset Management

The organizational changes and appointments signal Generali Asset Management’s commitment to expanding its reach within the institutional and pension client base. The company aims to leverage Büsst’s experience at Conning to further develop its capabilities and offerings in these key areas.

According to Generali Investments, the appointments aim to “further strengthen the company’s focus on global third-party institutional and pension clients, while reinforcing the management structure of a rapidly growing organization.”

Russell Büsst’s Background

Russell Büsst brings a wealth of experience in asset management and investment leadership to his new role. As CEO and CIO of Conning’s European operations, he oversaw significant growth and development of the firm’s investment strategies and client relationships. His prior experience includes leadership positions at other prominent financial institutions.

Filippo Casagrande’s Role

The creation of the general manager role for Filippo Casagrande reflects Generali Asset Management’s increasing complexity and scale. As general manager, Casagrande will be responsible for overseeing key operational functions and supporting the CEO in driving the company’s strategic objectives. Details regarding Casagrande’s previous roles were not immediately available.

Generali Investments’ Growth

Generali Asset Management is a key component of Generali Investments, the asset management arm of the Generali Group. The acquisition of Conning in 2024 significantly expanded Generali Investments’ capabilities and global footprint. The company has been actively pursuing growth opportunities in both traditional and alternative asset classes.

Insurance Asset Risk reported the appointments 16 hours prior to this report, noting the changes and appointments.

Industry Context

The asset management industry is undergoing a period of significant change, driven by factors such as increasing regulatory scrutiny, evolving investor preferences, and technological innovation. Asset managers are focused on delivering strong investment performance while adapting to these challenges. The appointments at Generali Asset Management reflect a proactive approach to navigating this dynamic environment.

Other recent leadership changes in the asset management space include the appointment of a new CIO at Legal & General, as reported by Insurance Asset Risk.

The appointments at Generali Asset Management are effective immediately, though a specific start date was not disclosed. Further details regarding the transition plan and the company’s future strategy are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.