Asset manager Franklin Templeton Japan (Chiyoda-ku Tokyo) has appointed, effective April 1, Takashi Takamura as the president and country head of Japan, reporting to Tariq Ahmad, head of Asia-Pacific, with responsibility for leading the firm’s retail and institutional business in Japan.

Suguru Kuwahata, the current president, will spearhead the firm’s focus on growing the retail asset management business and wealth services in his new role as the vice-president and head of wealth, Japan.

Takamura brings over 35 years of experience in the financial services industry, with an excellent track record in building asset management businesses in Japan. Prior to joining Franklin Templeton, Takamura was president and representative director at State Street Global Advisors, Japan. He has also held senior management roles at Capital International K.K., Citigroup Asset Management (now part of Franklin Templeton Japan) and Mitsui Trust & Banking Company (now known as Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank).

“Japan plays a pivotal role in our Asia-Pacific growth strategy, and Takamura’s appointment underscores our commitment to becoming a trusted partner to our institutional and retail clients in Japan,” Ahmad says. “His expertise, strategic vision, and deep understanding of the Japanese market will greatly contribute to the future success of the company in Japan.”

“The Japanese wealth channel stands at the threshold of unprecedented growth, fuelled by technological innovation and a burgeoning appetite for financial sophistication.”