RBC Global Asset Management (RBC GAM), the asset management arm of Royal Bank of Canada, has made four new hires to its advisory solutions group.

The new hires include Edward Bernson and Charleen Sheehan, David Smith, and Alexandra Zhmakina.

Both Bernson and Sheehan have been appointed as associate directors of advisory solutions, with responsibility for developing relationships and representing the firm’s investment strategies to financial intermediaries.

Both of them previously served as internal wholesalers at Putnam Investments.

Smith, named director of advisory solutions, will be tasked with developing relationships and representing the firm’s investment strategies in the Midwest region. Smith formerly served at William Blair and American Funds.

Zhmakina, named junior associate director of advisory solutions, is an internal wholesaler for RBC GAM Advisory Solutions Group.

RBC GAM head of distribution Matthew Appelstein said: "Today's announcement is the latest demonstration of how we're growing our footprint in the professional buyer marketplace across the U.S.

“We are pleased to continue to extend our reach through the expansion of our client service offering and investment expertise that are led by investment centric and solutions driven professionals."