Henderson Global Investors has expanded its Asian offering with the addition of Shiro Tsubota as chief executive for Japan and Mabel Chan as head of retail distribution.

Former Japan CEO, Takashi Muramatsu, has now taken on the role of executive advisor. The firm said he has managed its Japan business - and before that Gartmore’s - for seven years, so his continued support will be crucial in ensuring a successful handover of command.

Tokyo-based Tsubota joins from PIMCO, where he was head of operations for the Asia-Pacific region. Before that, he held senior positions at Deutsche Asset Management and Goldman Sachs Asset Management.

Meanwhile, Chan joins from UBP Asset Management (Asia), where she was executive director/head of distribution, Asia (excluding Japan). She has over 18 years of experience in the industry, having held senior distribution positions at BNP Investment Partners Asia and Invesco Asset Management Asia. She is based in Hong Kong.

“Henderson has its sights set on Asia to be a key region for future development," said Alexander Henderson, managing director, Asia. "Clearly, the centre of gravity for both private wealth and institutional fund management is shifting towards Asia and we as fund managers need to recognise our clients’ needs and redefine our approach to the Asian markets.”

“Over the next three years we have a clear ambition to significantly grow our Asian assets under management, that currently represent five per cent of our group total AuM," Henderson added.