Based in London, John Howland-Jackson has assumed the role of vice chairman of Nikko Asset Management Europe and senior adviser for the Middle East, Africa and Asia region.
Howland-Jackson intends to broaden the firm’s presence by developing relationships with central banks and sovereign wealth funds.
Nikko has also appointed Charles Allard as head of sales, North Asia. Allard, based in Hong Kong, previously worked with Winton Capital Management.
With Allard’s appointment, the asset manager expects to extend its reach toward sophisticated investors in the region, where it has a joint venture with Rongtong Fund Management.
In addition, Ian Lewis has joined the firm in Singapore to head global consultant relations. Lewis has worked with companies such as UBS Global Asset Management, Towers Watson and most recently was a partner at Ardevora Asset Management.
“These key executives will be instrumental in helping us further expand our business with some of the most sophisticated investors in the world,” said Hideo Abe, executive vice chairman of the Tokyo-based asset manager.
Nikko Asset Management recently took the lead under the ASEAN fund passporting scheme by announcing its plans to launch Nikko AM Shenton Horizon Investment Fund – Singapore Dividend Equity Fund in Malaysia with Affin Hwang Asset Management.
Following the creation of a global multi-asset team in Singapore, the fund house in September also said it will launch multi-asset, global equity and Asia (ex-Japan) equity vehicles for institutional and retail clients through its local subsidiaries in Australia and New Zealand.