Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Asset Management, a large Japanese asset manager with $748 billion assets under management, makes senior hire.

Kei Ohashi (pictured) has been appointed as head of investment management at Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Asset Management, based in its London office.

Ohashi, who has 14 years’ industry experience, has worked at SuMi TRUST AM in Tokyo and London. He will take over as head of the firm’s client services in Europe, following his predecessor, Hirofumi Hayashi's, return to Japan.the firm said in a statement.

After seven years in London, and 18 years at the firm, Hayashi is returning to Tokyo, where he will remain at SuMi Trust AM in a new role involving global asset management business growth at a firm-wide level and client services for international investors.

SuMi TRUST AM’s London office, Sumitomo Mitsui Trust International Limited (SuMiTIL), is led by managing director Hiroki Moritani who is responsible for SuMi TRUST AM’s investment management business in the EMEA region, including global business development, product management and ESG engagement activities.

“I have every confidence the very capable Kei Ohashi will continue to manage the provision of our excellent client service previously overseen by Hirofumi,” Moritani said. "Hirofumi will bring his experience as head of investment management in our London office and deep knowledge of the investment needs of global institutional investors to our Tokyo headquarters, strengthening our global capabilities and supporting the continued growth of our business.”

SuMi TRUST AM provides its global client base with a variety of equity products, ranging from concentrated active and sustainability strategies geared towards Japanese, Asian and global stocks to tailored passive investment solutions. See more about the firm and Japanese equities here and here after Japan’s Prime Minster Sanae Takaichi won a landslide victory in a snap election.