Executive moves, week of March 1, 2010

Smith to step down as CIO of FloridaMichael Smith has announced he plans to step down as the University of Florida’s first chief investment officer to join Global Endowment Management (GEM) as a partner. He had originally come to Florida in 2004 from Duke Investment Management Co. (DUMAC), and helped to launch the University of Florida Investment Corp.

Smith will focus of overall strategy and hedge funds at GEM, whose private equity practice is managed by fellow DUMAC alum Hugh Wrigley. Smith’s last day is March 31.

Relander resurfaces at Emirates Investment Authority

Kaj-Erik Relander, formerly a partner in the London-based office of venture firm Accel Partners, has joined Emirates Investment Authority as chief investment officer. Relander joined Accel in 2001 after serving as president and CEO of telecom giant Sonera. He resigned from the venture firm in recent weeks along with fellow Partner Simon Levene, although there’s no word yet on why they left or whether their departures are related.

Coffin shoots over to Split RockMatt Coffin has joined Split Rock Partners as a venture advisor. He had been founder and CEO of former Split Rock portfolio company LowerMyBills, which was acquired by Experian in 2005 for $380 million.

Randel steps over to StepStone

Johnny Randel has joined private equity advisory StepStone Group as chief financial officer and chief operating officer. He previously was with Citi Private Equity, and will work out of StepStone’s new office in New York.

Jaeggi Joins Founders ClubAndré Jaeggi has joined VC exchange fund operator The Founders Club as chairman. He previously was a managing director with Adveq.

Berkshire adds advisorJohn Kelly, former president and CEO of Crown Castle International Corp., has joined Berkshire Partners as an advisory director.

Grotech promotes DeVries

Grotech Ventures has promoted Lawson DeVries to principal. He joined the firm in 2005 as a principal and was named a vice president three years later.

Donofrio to head corporate bankingBoA Merrill Lynch has named London-based Paul Donofrio as head of global corporate banking. He succeeds Cathy Bessant, who has taken a global tech and operations role.