Stefanie Drews, president and representative director at Nikko Asset Management, has been appointed with the additional role as CEO of the firm.
Meanwhile, Kuniyuki Shudo will join from Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank as representative director and executive chair, succeeding current chair Yutaka Nishida. However, Nishida will remain on the firm’s board of directors until June this year.
Tokyo-based Drews joined Nikko AM in 2014, having previously worked as global head of key clients and family offices at Barclays. She began her career in 1997 at Morgan Stanley, where she latterly held the role of managing director of its private wealth management business.
The personnel changes will take place from 1 April this year, as the firm continues to implement its global growth strategy and strengthen its corporate governance. It is also due to rebrand as ‘Amova’ in September 2025.
Drews said: “In the three years since becoming president, I am so proud of all the progress our colleagues across all global offices and functions have made to position the business for the future, as we prepare to rename ourselves Amova Asset Management effective 1 September 2025.
“I am eager to continue this journey as CEO, and am confident that Shudo-san will enhance our corporate governance even further and help lead us into the next phase.”
Shudo joins the company from Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, where he was executive adviser. He has previously held other leadership roles at the firm, including as executive officer and managing executive officer. He also resides on the board of the bank’s parent company, Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group.
He said: “I am impressed by how Nikko AM has carried out its efforts as a global asset manager headquartered in Japan, and how much the firm has accomplished under Stefanie and Nishida-san’s leadership. I look forward to working with Stefanie and dedicating myself to helping our clients and stakeholders reach their goals.”
Commenting on Nishida’s decision to step down as executive chair, Drews added: “I would like to thank Nishida-san for his extensive contributions during his tenure with the firm. Not only did he improve our corporate governance, but he has been instrumental in building relationships, both with our clients, as well as everyone at our global offices. I wish him the best for the future.”
This article first appeared in our sister publication, Portfolio Adviser.
