German asset manager DWS has brought in a manager to run UK-based operations, and she comes with a background in international banking.

DWS thas appointed Samantha Alexander (pictured) as country officer for the UK to lead its UK-based operations.

Alexander will perform the role in addition to her existing position as chief operating officer for the UK, the firm said in a statement. In this new role, she will join DWS’s EMEA leadership council, starting immediately.

Alexander joined Deutsche Bank in 2011 as a programme manager in the business solutions group and latterly in a change management leadership role within client and data services. Alexander subsequently took on the role of programme manager for the global client group at DWS, with responsibility for operational management of the sales teams in EMEA (excluding Germany).

In her concurrent role as chief operating officer for the UK at DWS, Alexander is responsible for the operating environment of the UK business. Prior to joining Deutsche Bank and DWS, she also served in operational roles at various international banks.

In addition to her career achievements, she is a supporter of furthering diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) in the asset management industry and across financial services more broadly, the firm added.

As UK country officer, Alexander will be responsible for oversight of the UK and its contribution to DWS’s overall corporate strategy and working with a wide range of stakeholders including managing governance and interactions with regulators, and DWS’s relationship with key industry associations.

“The UK showcases the diverse talent that DWS has across all investment capabilities and business lines, and is an important location for DWS, not only as a significant pool of talent but also as one of the largest capital markets globally,” Alexander said.