GAM Holding Group, the Swiss-listed asset management firm, has appointed a head for its Asia-Pacific investment business.

Henry Choon assumes the role of the head of Asia-Pacific effective 4 November 2013 based in Hong Kong. Choon was previously a managing director for Lazard's regional arm in Hong Kong. Prior to that, he was employed at Lehman Brothers Investment Management in Hong Kong as head of North Asian investment. He is a permanent resident of Hong Kong.

In his new position, he will lead the market development activities for the Asia ex-Japan region, covering both institutional and intermediary markets, as well as private clients. He reports to Craig Wallis, group head of distribution and marketing.

GAM Holding, the parent firm of Swiss & Global Asset Management, has had a presence in the region since 1985 and currently employs 45 people at its Hong Kong branch. 

The firm recently announced an underlying net profit of SFr117 million ($126.3 million) in the first half of 2013, a 58 per cent surge from a year before.GAM’s operating income totalled SFr357.4 million, up by 27 per cent from the same period a year earlier. Net management fees and commissions rose by 14 per cent, from SFr245.0 million to SFr278.9 million.