With senior appointments across several functions, Aberdeen Standard Investments marks the next phase of growth and strategic investment in Japan.
Takashi Ikeya joined the firm as Head of Institutional Sales for Japan on 10 September. He will be leading institutional business development in Japan and broadening relationships with financial institutions, pension funds and consultants, Aberdeen Standard Investments said in a media release on Tuesday.
He brings over two decades of experience in institutional sales and fund management. He joins from Manulife Asset Management, where he was a Senior Director of Institutional Sales with a focus on credit, real estate and private markets. His team will be augmented by two more skilled sales colleagues in the next two months.
Jiro Hamaguchi took on the role as Head of Japanese Institutional Product Strategy and Solutions on 1 October. He will be responsible for formulating product strategy spanning multiple asset classes, and tailoring investment solutions for Japanese institutions.
With extensive experience in product structuring and investments across public and private markets, Jiro was most recently with AMP Capital focusing on product strategy and development.
Sayaka Iwase started as Private Market Sales Specialist on 3 September, responsible for growing and servicing the private markets client base in Japan, across various alternatives products and solutions.
She has gained a wealth of fund management and due diligence experience in private equity and infrastructure investments, most recently as Vice President for Investment at Alternative Investment Capital in Tokyo.
Kyoko Shimada joined as Head of Marketing on 1 August. Based in Tokyo, she is driving the firm’s marketing strategy for Japan and Korea.
Previously Head of Marketing in Japan at Fidelity International, Kyoko brings in-depth knowledge and over 20 years of solid experience in asset management and financial marketing.
For Long-Term Growth
«The growth of the team supports our strategy to expand our regional business. In the current low yield world, Japanese investors are increasingly looking to foreign managers who demonstrate capabilities in diversified asset classes,» Hugh Young (pictured above), Head of Asia Pacific, Aberdeen Standard Investments, said.
«I have no doubt that our global investment capabilities and track record, coupled with the talented team in place, will position us well for long-term growth,» he added.
Exciting Step
«The expanded team of talented people will allow us to deepen client engagement, strengthen investment capability, broaden product offerings and enhance brand presence in Japan. This is an exciting step ahead to enable our future business and investment success,» Neil Slater, CEO and Representative Director of Aberdeen Standard Investments Japan, said.
