The appointee's new role will be to cultivate and expand its client base in Europe and the Middle East.

Asia-based SuMi TRUST is raising its business expansion game outside its native Japan.

The firm, which oversees $616 billion of assets under management, has appointed Kei Ohashi as director of client services and global business development. Ohashi will be based in the firm’s London office where he will work alongside Shigeo Mito.

Ohashi’s new role is focused on cultivating and expanding SuMi TRUST’s European and Middle Eastern client base, in addition to developing new bespoke products for investors.

The firm said that Ohashi has more than 10 years’ experience in the asset management industry. Prior to his new role, he was the associate investment director for product management and distribution at SuMi TRUST in Tokyo. Before joining SuMi TRUST, Ohashi was the product specialist at Mitsui & Co Alternative Investments where he managed hedge funds and fixed income funds.

“SuMi TRUST’s knowledge of the Japanese equity market is underpinned by its research team, which is one of the largest in Tokyo. My role is to bring these research capabilities to our network of global clients and also to listen to their needs, strengthening our relationships and developing new products as our presence expands internationally,” Ohashi said.

SuMi TRUST is the marketing name of Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group and the entities that fall within it, including Sumitomo Mitsui Trust International Limited and Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank.