Nikko Asset Management has bolstered its global branding strategy with the recent hire of Blair Pickerell as head of Asia and global chief marketing officer.

Pickerell brings over 25 years of business experience in Asia and was most recently chief executive, Asia for Morgan Stanley Investment Management. In his new capacity, his main task will be to build Nikko AM's businesses in Asia outside of Japan. He will be based in Hong Kong, where the company has an established representative office and where it is also applying for a full fund management license.

Nikko AM is the first foreign asset management company to offer a China A-share fund outside of China. The company also owns a 40 per cent stake in Rongtong Fund Management, one of the largest joint venture investment management firms in China. Nikko AM has around $106 billion in assets under management.