Global alternatives asset manager Carlyle has named a former official under the Shinzo Abe administration as its senior advisor for its Japan advisory unit.
Takaya Imai has been appointed senior advisor to the unit, according to a statement, effective April 1 this year.
Imai will advise the unit, which houses nine senior advisors and operating executives, on investment opportunities; business, operational and industry expertise; and operations and value creation initiatives.
Imai was previously an executive secretary and chief executive assistant to former Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe. Before this, he spent almost three decades at the Ministry of Economy Trade and Industry in various roles focused on economic, trade, industrial and energy policy.
Core Sector Appointments
In addition, Carlyle has also appointed three existing managing directors to lead investment activities across the core sectors.
Reiji Terasaka will lead the general industries group; Yusuke Watanabe will lead consumer, retail and healthcare; and Jumpei Ogura will lead technology, media and telecom.
Takaomi Tomioka and Hiroyuki Otsuka continue to hold responsibility for the overall performance of Carlyle Japan as co-deputy Heads, working closely with Kazuhiro Yamada, head of the Carlyle Japan advisory team.
