The Tokyo-headquartered investment house has appointed a global head of sales for its international business.

Nikko Asset Management, which recently inked an international distribution deal, has appointed Yuichi Alex Takayama as global head of sales (international business).

Takayama will serve as both head of international business development and of the sales planning division. The role involves close collaboration with overseas unit heads and senior sales managers in formulating the company’s international sales strategies.

With more than 20 years of asset management experience, Takayama’s career has taken him to Tokyo, New York and London, mainly as a portfolio manager and senior analyst for Chuo Mitsui Trust & Banking (now Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Holdings) and Mizuho Trust & Banking Co. His most recent postings were as chief executive of the European unit of Tokio Marine and Asset Management Co, and head of international sales.

As reported earlier in May, Nikko Asset Management and Legal & General Investment Management have agreed to provide global fixed income products that Nikko AM will distribute to Japanese investors - primarily Japanese insurance companies and banks.

Nikko AM has $153.7 billion of assets under management.