Nikko Asset Management, the Tokyo-headquartered, asset management company has created a new marketing leadership role as it continues to grow globally.

David Collins assumes the role of head of group marketing and communications, responsible for all marketing and communications activities for the firm worldwide. Collins brings over 20 years of industry experience working in Japan and other Asian countries, mainly in financial services. As company spokesperson, he is tasked to help boost awareness of Nikko AM's services.

Collins joins the firm from The Hartford Financial Services Group, where he was head of external corporate communications. Prior to that, he was a television producer at Reuters in  New York. He also held senior marketing roles in Tokyo at State Street Global Advisors and Standard & Poor's.

Nikko Asset Management has one of the largest distributor networks in the Asia-Pacific region. As at 30 June 2013, its total assets under management stands at $156 billion.