Neuberger Berman Group LLC announced the appointment of Jason Henchman as the Asia-Pacific chief operating officer (COO) and Chris Gunns as head of consultant relations for the region.

 

Both Hong Kong-based positions are newly created. Tony Edwards, head of Asia-Pacific (ex Japan) for Neuberger Berman, commented, “As Neuberger Berman continues to build its presence in the Asia-Pacific, adding high-calibre individuals is extremely important in helping us meet the needs of the region’s sophisticated investment clients."

 

In his role as COO, Henchman is responsible for the administrative and control functions in the region, as well as general support for the firm’s businesses in Japan, Hong Kong, China, Singapore and Australia. Henchman previously served as the Asia-Pacific (ex Japan) head of legal and compliance at Legg Mason.

 

As head of consultant relations, Gunns is responsible for Neuberger Berman’s engagement in the region with investment and asset consultants, which play an important role in the institutional investment business. Prior to joining Neuberger Berman, Gunns was the regional manager, institutional sales and business development at ING Investment Management Asia-Pacific.

 

 Established in 1939, Neuberger Berman is one of the world’s largest private, independent asset management companies, managing approximately USD173 billion in assets as of December 31, 2009.