Marking Japan as a “strategic growth market,” the firm has hired from Schroders to create a new senior business role in Toyko.

In a newly-created role based in Tokyo, Aberdeen Standard Investments has appointed Sadayuki Takahashi as deputy head of Japan.

The former Schroders executive (pictured) assumes the role on 1 December and will work closely with Ken Yajima, chief executive and representative director for ASI in Japan, to boost business strategy in the region. He will also join ASI’s board in Japan.

The London-listed asset manager, based in Edinburgh and managing around $560 billion globally for clients at the Japanese franchise, has strengthened its distribution channels and investment solutions in recent years. Lately, Japan's market has reignited investor interest as fund managers seek developed market stability and dividend growth. The Nikkei hit highs in Novermber and is up by around 50 per cent since its March lows.

ASI said that Takahashi’s newly-created role will strengthen the management team and client support in Japan, including client services, operations and business administration.

Takahashi spent 14 years in a variety of senior roles at Schroders Japan, most recently as COO of distribution and head of product development. Before that, he worked in client services and global custody roles in Tokyo at JP Morgan and the Bank of New York.

ASI CEO Ken Yajima said: “I am confident that his wealth of experience and deep expertise in the asset management industry will contribute to the expansion of our Japan business and strengthen our client engagement.”