Standard Life Investments has strengthened its European business development team with the appointment of Michael Geier as investment director - Germany and Austria.

Geier (pictured) was previously managing director, ABN Amro Asset Management (Germany).

Reporting to Phil Barker, head of European business development, Geier will be responsible for developing business relationships with leading wholesale and institutional organisations in Germany and Austria. He will be based in Frankfurt.

Barker says: 'In the first half of 2009 we have been successful in winning business from institutional clients and through third party distribution networks and platform agreements in continental Europe. Michael's appointment will help bring even greater focus to the German and Austrian markets.

'Michael has around 18 years experience of working within this region and his in¬-depth local knowledge will help Standard Life Investments provide existing and prospective clients with the appropriate level of before and after sales support.'

Geier has also held positions at Mellon Global Investments, Henderson Global Investors (UK) and Alliance Capital (USA).