The UK asset manager Threadneedle has named Michael Langlois as head of wholesale distribution for Asia, with effect from January 2011.

Langlois steps in from Permal Group, where he served as managing director and senior vice president. He established Permal's office in Singapore in 2001 and in Hong Kong in 2006. He was also instrumental to the introduction of Permal's hedge fund products to the affluent market in Asia.

His appointment shortly follows that of Raymundo Yu, who was recently named Asia Pacific chairman. He will be working closely with Yu as the company and its parent, Ameriprise Financial, embark on an expansion drive in the region.

"This is a key appointment as we put in place the right team to serve a broarder Asian client base. The opportunity here in Asia is an exciting one. Asian investors are among the most sophisticated in the world and are looking for outstanding performance and a tailored solutions-based approach," said Yu in a media statement.

Langlois will be responsible for building relationships with local Asian financial institutions and global private banks serving high net worth investors in the region.