Merrill appoints Pacific Rim equities exec

HONG KONG, Feb 14 (Reuters) - Merrill Lynch & Co (MER.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) has appointed Arif Mansuri, an eight-year Merrill veteran, as head of platforms and product development for Pacific Rim equities, according to a memo obtained by Reuters on Thursday.

A Merrill spokesman confirmed that Mansuri, a managing director, will work on developing platforms and wrappers for structured and alternative investments products. He most recently had a similar role with Merrill's European arm.

In the new job, he will also be responsible for assessing business opportunities for Merrill's equity business in all new markets across the region.

Prior to joining Merrill, the London Business School graduate worked for UBS AG (UBSN.VX: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) (UBS.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz). (Reporting by Jeffrey Hodgson; Editing by Anne Marie Roantree)