The Toronto-headquartered asset manager has brought over FIL Asset Management's former Korea country head to lead its Thailand operations.

Manulife Asset Management has appointed Michael Reed, formerly of FIL Asset Management (Korea), as chief executive of its Thailand business.

With more than 20 years of industry experience, Reed has a deep knowledge of the region's asset management landscape, and most recently served as country head of FIL Asset Management in Korea, Manulife Asset Management said in a statement. Additionally, he has experience in leading international financial services firms across Asia-Pacific, including China, Hong Kong and Australia.

As CEO of Manulife Asset Management Thailand, Reed will report to Gianni Fiacco, chief operating officer of wealth and asset management, Asia for Manulife Asset Management. He will also report to Michael Parker, president of Manulife Insurance in Thailand. In his new role, he will focus on developing and implementing the company’s growth strategy, marrying Manulife’s on-the-ground local expertise and capabilities with its regional and global capabilities.

“We are extremely pleased to have someone with the depth of multi-market experience Michael has joining Manulife and spearheading our growth in this very important market,” Fiacco said in a statement. “We are confident that his experience in the asset management industry across Asia will help us build holistic and enduring relationships with our clients.”

The firm's investment expertise extends across a broad range of public and private asset classes, and as of 30 September 2016, assets under management at Manulife Asset Management were approximately £263 billion ($329 billion).