James Crawford, a senior portfolio manager at AllianceBernstein, will leave the company at the end of next month.

New York-based AllianceBernstein gave no reason for Crawford’s departure. Crawford, an asset manager in the firm’s value equity investment product, did not return calls seeking comment.

The investment product that Crawford helps manage was originally a joint venture between Axa and AllianceBernstein. When AMP acquired Axa’s Australian operations the fund continued to be managed by AllianceBernstein which is also responsible for personnel decisions.

In other AllianceBernstein news, the manager of US$424 billion in assets says it appointed Ross Kent, 46, as chief executive of its Australian business.

Kent was formerly a senior managing director in charge of marketing in Australia and New Zealand at the company. He joined AllianceBernstein in 2004 from AMP Financial Services where he was managing director in New Zealand.

AllianceBernstein said Kent was not available for comment.