Stefanie Drews will take on the role of CEO at Nikko Asset Management Co., overseeing the entire $246.1 billion firm, effective April 1.
A spokesman confirmed that there was not a recent holder of the CEO title prior to this appointment. However, Pensions & Investments previously reported that a CEO was not named at the firm after Junichi Sayato stepped down in 2022.
Drews, president and representative director, takes on the CEO position in addition to her existing responsibilities, a news release said.
Nikko also said Kuniyuki Shudo will join as representative director and executive chair, succeeding Yutaka Nishida. Nishida will remain on the board of directors to ensure a smooth transition, and will resign at the regular general shareholders meeting in June. Shudo is executive adviser of Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank.
Drews’ appointment is part of a continued effort to strengthen corporate governance as Nikko moves ahead with its global growth strategy, the news release said.
Drews — named as a member of Pensions & Investments’ inaugural class of Influential Women in Institutional Investing — was named as president of the firm three years ago, taking on those responsibilities from Sayato, who was also chair. Nishida took that role.
“I am eager to continue this journey as CEO, and am confident that Shudo-san will enhance our corporate governance even further and help lead us into the next phase,” Drews said in the release.
Nikko will be renamed as Amova Asset Management Co., effective Sept. 1.
