DOW JONES NEWSWIRES 
 

Oppenheimer & Co. named Merrill Lynch & Co. veteran Brian Belski as its chief investment strategist and a managing director.

Belski spent the past four years as Merrill's chief U.S. sector strategist and also was a managing director and fundamental market strategist for Piper Jaffray Cos. (PJC).

"Brian has significant expertise in creating proprietary products, conducting strategic research and managing a comprehensive operation," said Oppenheimer research director John E. Parks. "His vivid media presence will make him an effective media spokesperson for market, sector and overall investment strategy, enhancing Oppenheimer's position as a thought leader."

A number of high-profile former Merrill Lynch executives and brokers have left the firm in the wake of its takeover by Bank of America Corp. (BAC) and the departure of former Merrill Chief Executive John Thain, who came under fire for the way he handled unexpectedly big fourth-quarter losses at Merrill and year-end bonuses.

Oppenheimer, which offers wealth-management, securities-brokerage and investment-banking services, is a unit of Oppenheimer Holdings Inc. (OPY).

-By Lauren Pollock, Dow Jones Newswires; 201-938-5964; lauren.pollock@dowjones.com