Ronald E. Robison is taking over the Van Kampen Funds. His promotion comes as part of a reshuffling following Mitchell M. Merin's planned departure from Morgan Stanley. Merin will also resign as trustee to the Van Kampen fund complex.

Officials at the Morgan Stanley fund unit also said that a second trustee -- Richard F. Powers -- will resign from the fund boards.

Robison has been executive vice president of funds at Van Kampen Asset Management. Starting Thursday, he took the title of president of the fund complex. Merin had served as the fund group's president. Though Morgan Stanley officials said Merin is retiring, it is widely believed that he was forced out by returning CEO John Mack.  

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