Tokyo/Singapore, 16 June 2023 - M&G Investments (“M&G”), the global asset management arm of M&G plc with total client assets of £306.5 billion1, announces the appointment of Manabu Fujita as the Head of M&G Investments Japan. This appointment, pending regulatory confirmation, marks a significant milestone in M&G’s Asia-focused strategy and its commitment to the Japanese market. With a rich history of investing in Japan that dates back to 1973, M&G currently manages over $6 billion2 in listed Japanese companies.
Mr. Fujita will assume responsibility for M&G’s expanding operations in Japan, overseeing the execution of the Group’s strategic direction, and spearheading the growth of the M&G distribution franchise across institutional, pension and retail businesses in Japan.
Joining from Schroders Investment Management (Japan), where he served as Head of Sales, Mr. Fujita brings extensive experience, having held several senior positions across the firm, during his 15-year tenure, including Head of Institutional Sales and Business Development. He also boasts prior experience with Invesco Asset Management and Nippon Life Group in Japan. Based in Tokyo, he will report to M&G’s Head of Asia Pacific, Loretta Ng.
“Japan is an extremely important market to us, where there is strong investor appetite across public and private investments markets. Manabu Fujita’s appointment represents our dedication to Japan and the region. We are excited about the future direction of our business in Japan, with a sharp focus on growing our investment capabilities and distribution footprint, as well as deepening client relationships,” states Loretta Ng, Head of M&G Asia Pacific, expressing M&G’s strong commitment to Japan and the broader region.
With extensive experience in Japan, Mr. Fujita is poised to play a pivotal role in propelling M&G‘s growth in the country, an integral part of the broader strategy in Asia. M&G aims to expand its presence across key markets in Asia, complementing its well-established footprint in the United Kingdom and Europe.
Commenting on his appointment, Manabu Fujita says, “M&G is regarded as a global leader across a variety of asset classes, and I look forward to being part of an innovative and impressive team, and contribute to the continued success of the business. I am confident that M&G can provide meaningful investment solutions to our clients under very uncertain market environment.”
Ms. Ng additionally shared, “We are thrilled to welcome an individual with such extensive experience in Japan, especially at a time when we see Japan as a critical part of our Asia growth strategy and as we continue to witness increasingly compelling and exciting opportunities in the market. Manabu Fujita will be a valuable addition to our growing team.”
Manabu Fujita holds a Bachelor of Economics from the Tokyo University and commences with M&G Investments on 16 June 2023.
1 As at 31 March 2023
2 In US Dollar, as at 31 March 2023