Aberdeen Standard Appoints Japan CEO

Aberdeen Standard Appoints Japan CEO

Aberdeen Standard has made major investments and moves into the domestic Japanese market, including the latest appointment of a CEO for the country.

Ken Yajima joins the Tokyo-based role succeeding Neil Slater, who will relocate to Aberdeen Standard Investment’s (ASI) U.K. headquarters as deputy head of private markets and global head of real estate, both roles taking effect in October this year.

Yajima has over 20 years of experience in Japanese asset management and financial services with a track record developing businesses covering intermediary and institutional clients. Prior to the new role, he was with Schroders where he worked for 15 years most recently as the Japan head of distribution and a board of director member for the region. Previously, he also worked with J.P. Morgan for 15 years in various senior positions.

Strategic Focus on Japan

According to the ASI statement, Japan is a strategic priority for the firm, having expanded the local business by 30 percent in the last year through senior hires across distribution, product strategy, investment specialists and marketing.

And within the country, real estate appears to be ASI’s asset class of choice having recently established a joint venture with Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank to invest in Japanese real estate and hired Ono Hidetoshi, head of direct real estate.