The firm is strengthening its commitment to the Japanese market.

M&G Investments, the global asset management arm of M&G, has appointed Manabu Fujita as head of M&G Investments Japan, pending regulatory confirmation.

The move marks an important point in M&G’s Asia-focused strategy and its commitment to the Japanese market. With a history of investing in Japan that dates back to 1973, M&G currently manages over $6 billion in listed Japanese companies.

Fujita, who has over 24 years’ experience in the Japanese financial services industry, will be responsible for deepening and growing M&G’s operations in Japan, the firm said in a statement. His remit also includes overseeing the group’s strategic direction and the growth of the M&G distribution franchise across a broad client base in Japan.

Fujita was most recently at Schroders Investment Management (Japan), where he was head of sales. During his 15-year tenure there, he held other senior positions including head of institutional sales and business development. He previously served as vice president in Invesco Asset Management and started his career at Nippon Life Insurance Company. Based in Tokyo, he will report to M&G’s head of Asia Pacific, Loretta Ng, the firm continued.

“Japan is an extremely important market to us, where there is strong investor appetite across public and private investments markets,” Ng said. “Manabu Fujita’s appointment represents our dedication to Japan and the region. We are excited about the future direction of our business in Japan, with a sharp focus on growing our investment capabilities and distribution footprint, as well as deepening client relationships,” she continued. 

M&G aims to expand its presence across key markets in Asia, complementing its footprint in the United Kingdom and Europe. Fujita added: “I am confident that M&G can provide meaningful investment solutions to our clients under a very uncertain market environment.”