New York-listed State Street has hired Maria Cantillon as the global head of sales for its Alternative Investment Solutions business.

Cantillon, a former head of alternative investment managers and member of the executive committee at BNP Paribas Securities Services, will now report to Scott FitzGerald, head of sales for State Street’s Global Services Americas business. 

Based in London, Cantillon has replaced FitzGerald in the role and will oversee a team of 15 people, covering positions in North America, Europe and the Asia Pacific region. FitzGerald undertook an expanded role towards the end of 2010.

Commenting on the appointment, FitzGerald noted Cantillon’s experience in Asia and Europe, and also the firm’s intention to further develop its North American presence. 

Managing around $770 billion in alternative assets as of 31 March 2011, State Street Alternative Investment Solutions has been expanding its presence outside of North America, most recently with its acquisition of Jersey-headquartered Mourant International Fund Administration in April 2010.