American Century Investments has named Tony Archer business head of its Asia Pacific operation, an appointment which coincides with the opening of the asset manager’s Hong Kong sales office. Through the new Asian enterprise, the company intends to deliver its equity growth strategies - global growth, emerging markets and US growth equities - to institutions and financial intermediaries in the region.

Mr Archer, an 18-year veteran of the Asian asset management industry, takes on this newly created role after leaving Morgan Stanley Investment Management, where he was managing director for Asia Sales and head of the Institutional Advisory Group for Asia Pacific. Previously, he was the Australia/New Zealand director and chief executive officer for AXA Rosenberg Asia Pacific and Japan.

In his new role, Mr Archer will lead American Century Investments' Asian distribution efforts. From the Hong Kong office, he and his business development team will introduce American Century Investments’ investment management capabilities to financial intermediaries and institutional investors across the Asia Pacific region, including Australia and New Zealand.

"Our development into Asia Pacific is an important and strategic addition to this business," said Jonathan Thomas, American Century Investments' president and chief executive officer.  "Our primary objective will be to continue to deliver superior investment performance with a focus on risk management and quality security selection. We are committed to achieving success for our clients and believe our approach also will resonate with Asian investors," Mr Thomas added.

Mr Archer will report to Michael Green, senior vice president of International, based in London. "Our development into the Asia Pacific region follows on from the successful opening of our London office last year. Increasingly, non-US investors are recognising the applicability of our investment approach to their portfolios, which has created a tremendous opportunity for expansion,” said Mr Green.

All asset management responsibilities will continue to be handled by American Century Investments’ investment management professionals in New York; Kansas City, Missouri and Mountain View, California.

American Century Investments has approximately $70 billion in assets and employs 1,300 people.