BlackRock, the New York-headquartered investment management and advisory services firm, has bulked up its Asian business with an executive hire.

Rowena Kwok takes the role of director and head of corporate communications for Asia ex-Japan. 

Kwok brings over 17 years of industry experience to the position. She joins from Fidelity Worldwide Investment, where she was part of the corporate communications team in Hong Kong and the Asia ex-Japan region for six years.

"Her track record, as well as her experience in various countries in the region, will support the firm's goal of expanding our business in Asia," commented Jim Badenhausen, managing director and head of global corporate communications.

BlackRock operates in 27 countries worldwide, including those in Asia and Australia. It had $3.56 trillion in assets under management as of 30 June 2012.