The Japan-based firm is looking to increase its profile globally as it promotes duo to London office.

Japanese asset manager Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group (SuMI TRUST) has promoted two directors to the firm’s London office, as it looks to expand its business profile globally.

Akimichi Oi has been promoted to director of the investment management department, and Kota Murakami has been promoted to director of global business development, the firm said in a statement yesterday.

Oi will be responsible for international sales and the expansion of Sumitomo Mitsui Trust International. Murakami will be responsible for the development and expansion of SuMI TRUST Group’s client base.

The new director of investment management will move from the Tokyo office, where he was responsible for Asian investor relations as head of global client relations.

Murakami joined the firm in 1990, and was previously head of investment management in Hong Kong.

Last month, the organisation appointed Yoshio Hishida to lead global business development of SuMi TRUST’s asset management business. In his expanded role, the firm said Hishida will strengthen SuMi TRUST’s client relationships and build new ties beyond Japan. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group had $727 billion assets under management at the end of March.