J.P. Morgan’s asset management arm strengthens its ESG capabilities with the hire of an ex-HSBC executive.

Shizuko Ohmi joins J.P. Morgan Asset Management as its head of investment stewardship for Japan, according to a statement. In her new Tokyo-based role, Ohmi reports to Jennifer Wu, global head of sustainable investing at the American asset manager. 

Ohmi will be responsible for the firm’s ESG agenda in Japan, the statement added, including corporate engagement with Japanese investments and proxy voting.

ESG Relevance

Ohmi has vast experience in areas relevant to ESG adoption even beyond asset management. In addition to being the former head of the ESG department since inception (2015) at Amundi where she served nearly 17 years, Ohmi also has relevant government experience. 

She was a member of the working group in Japan’s Ministry of Trade and Industry responsible for «formulating guidance on climate risk disclosure in accordance with the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) recommendation». She also worked with Japan’s Cabinet Office to research women’s advancement and information disclosure. 

«With a dedicated focus on ESG since 2015, [Ohmi] brings impressive technical and analytical knowledge together with a dedicated focus on sustainability and corporate governance,» said Wu, also highlighting Ohmi's 20 years of equity research experience.