The World Gold Council, the market development organisation for the gold industry, has appointed Kevin Feldman as managing director of worldwide investment, based in New York.

Feldman joins from BlackRock, where he was head of iShares marketing.

He will be responsible for growing the organisation’s portfolio of commercial partnerships, and enhancing its market leadership in gold exchange-traded funds and other gold products.

Previously, Feldman held positions at Barclays Global Investors, Vanguard and Charles Schwab & Co.

“Kevin joins us with a clear directive to enhance gold’s stature and role within the global financial markets. His experience in developing commercial partnerships and marketing financial products, coupled with his knowledge of the dynamic role that gold plays as a unique asset, will be a major asset to the organisation,” said Aram Shishmanian, WGC chief executive.