Columbia Threadneedle Investments, a leading global asset management group, has appointed Soichi Kimura as head of Distribution Retail Sales, Japan, underscoring the firm’s continued commitment to expanding its presence in the Japanese market and delivering high quality investment solutions to a broader range of clients

Based in Tokyo, Kimura joins the firm on August 20 and reports to Yoshihisa Kojima, head of Japan. He joins with over 20 years of experience in retail asset management, holding roles at Goldman Sachs Asset Management and PIMCO. Most recently Kimura held the role of senior relationship manager at Franklin Templeton Japan Co. Ltd.

In his new position, Kimura will lead the firm’s retail distribution strategy in Japan, working closely with partners and financial intermediaries to enhance access to Columbia Threadneedle’s global investment capabilities.

This appointment follows the recent hiring of Eiichiro Nakamura as head of Distribution Institutional Sales for Japan, reflecting the firm’s long-term vision for Japan. Since joining, Nakamura has played a key role in deepening institutional relationships and strengthening strategic partnerships across Japan.

In addition to these senior leadership appointments, Columbia Threadneedle has made several important hires to its support team, as well as expanding representation in marketing and client management in Japan, to help deepen relationships and deliver excellent service to clients.

Yoshihisa Kojima, head of Japan at Columbia Threadneedle Investments says, “I am delighted to welcome Soichi to Columbia Threadneedle Investments. He brings a wealth of experience working closely with partners and intermediary clients in Japan. His expertise and insights will be invaluable as we look to build new relationships with clients and develop opportunities with existing ones.

“Japan is a critical growth market, and the appointments of Soichi and Eiichiro mark a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to build a strong team that can meet the unique needs of all our clients. We are committed to the business in Japan, with continued expansion in talent, our range of strategies and solutions and client engagement "

Columbia Threadneedle has built a significant footprint in Japan over the last decade and formally established its office in Tokyo in 2021.