Principal Asset Management Names Japan Head
US investment firm Principal Asset Management has hired an ex-DWS executive to lead its Japan business.
Principal Asset Management has appointed Koichiro Maeda as head of Japan, according to a statement. Based in Tokyo, he will oversee the firm's strategic growth and client engagement in Japan, reporting to Thomas Cheong, president of Principal Asia Pacific & Middle East.
Maeda has more than 30 years of experience in real estate investment, alternative asset management and investment banking, most recently as managing director, head of alternatives specialists (APAC), and Japan executive officer at DWS. Prior to that, he also held leadership roles at Mitsui Fudosan, Morgan Stanley and PGIM.
Shift to Chairman Role
Maeda succeeds Hitoshi Itagaki, who will become chairman of Principal Japan’s board of directors. Itagaki has led Principal Asset Management Japan since 2007 with notable achievements, including the strengthening of a strategic partnership with Nippon Life.
«We are excited to welcome Koichiro to Principal and are confident that his deep institutional relationships and strategic mindset will help us grow in this key market,» said Cheong. «We also extend our deepest appreciation to Hitoshi for his outstanding leadership and continued guidance in his new role.»
Principal has over 1,100 institutional clients in more than 80 markets and as of 30 June 2025, it had $579.6 billion in assets under management.
