Virtus Investment Partners has hired Jeffrey Cerutti as executive vice president and head of retail distribution, effective June 1. In this role, Mr Cerutti will be responsible for distribution efforts of the company's retail investment products, including the Virtus Mutual Funds and separately managed accounts.

Mr Cerutti will oversee the retail sales force and manage Virtus’ relationships with its retail product distribution partners, which include national, regional and independent broker-dealers and registered investment advisors. He will also drive the positioning, messaging and marketing of Virtus’ retail investment products among financial advisors.

Mr Cerutti joins Virtus from UBS Global Asset Management, where he led the distribution efforts of their mutual funds, separately managed accounts and alternative investments within various retail channels as managing director and head of third party sales. He joined UBS in 2001.

Mr Cerutti previously worked at Virtus as national sales manager for the financial planners channel from 1999 to 2001, following four years as national sales manager at Zweig Mutual Funds, which was acquired by Virtus in 1999. He began his career in the investment management industry in sales with Gabelli Mutual Funds.

George Aylward, president and CEO at Virtus Investment Partners, said: “We are very excited about adding Jeff to the Virtus management team to lead our experienced retail sales force and our marketing efforts. He has a successful track record of raising and retaining assets, and is the right person to help us build on our current sales momentum.”

Mr Cerutti said: “I am optimistic and confident that Virtus’ deep line-up of investment talent is the right fit for financial advisors looking to distinguish themselves and help clients reach their financial goals.”