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LONDON--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE: BLK) today announced that Alex Hoctor-Duncan has been appointed Head of Retail for Europe, Africa and the Middle East (EMEA), with immediate effect. Mr. Hoctor-Duncan most recently served as the firmas Head of Sales for EMEA and will report to Rob Fairbairn, Head of BlackRockas Global Client Group (GCG) and James Charrington, Chairman of the EMEA Region for BlackRock. He will also join BlackRockas EMEA and GCG executive committees, and will continue to be based in London.

"Alexas goal is to continue growing the retail business within EMEA, where we have the second largest international cross-border business as measured by assets under management."

aSince joining BlackRock in 1997, Alex has held a wide variety of roles within retail, giving him a deep knowledge of how best to serve our clients,a said Mr. Fairbairn. aAlexas goal is to continue growing the retail business within EMEA, where we have the second largest international cross-border business as measured by assets under management.a

aAt a time when yields are at historical lows, markets are volatile and confidence among investors is scarce, I am delighted to have the opportunity to help our clients answer the question aWhat should I do with my money?a,a said Mr. Hoctor-Duncan. aWhether they are searching for new sources of income, considering opportunities in alternative investments or building a more dynamic, more diverse portfolio, BlackRock is uniquely positioned to provide practical answers for our clients.a

Mr. Hoctor-Duncanas role as head of the EMEA retail business is a new position created as the firm realigns its international retail business along regional lines. Maarten Slendebroek, who had been responsible for international retail since 2010, is leaving BlackRock after assisting with the transition of roles until the end of April. In Asia Pacific, Mark McCombe, BlackRockas Chairman of Asia Pacific, will oversee the retail business in that region. Similarily, in Latin America & Iberia, Armando Senra, Deputy Head of the Latin America & Iberia Region, will oversee the retail business in that region.

Prior to being appointed to his previous role as Head of Retail Sales for EMEA in 2009, Mr. Hoctor-Duncan had been the Head of UK Retail since 2007 and Head of UK Retail Sales since 2005. Prior to that, he had worked within GCG with responsibility for developing and maintaining relationships with retail investors.

About BlackRock

BlackRock is a leader in investment management, risk management and advisory services for institutional and retail clients worldwide. At December 31, 2011, BlackRockas AUM was $3.513 trillion. BlackRock offers products that span the risk spectrum to meet clientsa needs, including active, enhanced and index strategies across markets and asset classes. Products are offered in a variety of structures including separate accounts, mutual funds, iShares (exchange-traded funds), and other pooled investment vehicles. BlackRock also offers risk management, advisory and enterprise investment system services to a broad base of institutional investors through BlackRock Solutions. Headquartered in New York City, as of December 31, 2011, the firm has approximately 10,100 employees in 27 countries and a major presence in key global markets, including North and South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and the Middle East and Africa. For additional information, please visit the Company's website at [ www.blackrock.com ].

Issued by BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited, authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Registered office: 12 Throgmorton Avenue, London, EC2N 2DL. Tel: 020 7743 3000. Registered in England No. 2020394. For your protection telephone calls are usually recorded. BlackRock is a trading name of BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited.