Thomson Reuters today announced the expansion of its leadership team across the Asian markets.
These strategic appointments reflect Thomson Reuters continued commitment to hiring leaders with proven track records in the industry, deep local market knowledge and an international outlook.
Kotaro Okamura joins Thomson Reuters on 1 October as Head of Japan from JP Morgan, where he was the senior representative and Tokyo branch manager. Heading up one of Thomson Reuters top markets globally, Okamura will build on his 30-year career in the financial industry and brings a wealth of experience, both in commercial and investment banking and strong local market relationships across the financial industry. He has held a wide array of roles in his 19 years with JP Morgan Group, and prior to that with Sumitomo Bank and the Japanese Ministry of Finance. Okamura holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Tokyo, will be based in Tokyo, and report to Michael Peace, Managing Director of Thomson Reuters Asia.
Additionally, Henry Li has joined Thomson Reuters as Head of China and will help lead company's role in the development of the fast-paced, dynamic and rapidly evolving financial market in China. A native of the People's Republic of China, Li has 16 years' experience in the financial services industry in China. His most recent role was Senior Vice President and Beijing Branch Manager at ABN AMRO Bank (China) Co. Ltd., with leadership responsibility for banking activities in the region. Prior to that, Li was Senior Vice President and Head of International Corporate Finance, China at Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, and Head of Institutional Asset Management, China at Dresdner Bank AG.
Li holds an MBA from the University of Antwerp, Belgium, and a Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature with a secondary major in International Finance from the University of Shenzhen, China.
"Asia is a key strategic region for Thomson Reuters," said Devin Wenig, CEO of Thomson Reuters Markets. "Both Kotaro and Henry have proven track records in running successful financial services groups and operations and significant experience in their respective native countries. These appointments support our ambitions to capitalize on the growth opportunities in the region."
These appointments come in the wake of other recent strategic hires in Asia made over the recent months, including Tarun Anand as Head of South Asia, based in Mumbai; Samir Shah as Head of Business Operations, Asia, based in Singapore; and Daphne Huang as Head of Taiwan.
"These appointments bring considerable local industry expertise and customer relationships, as well as internationally experienced professionals to Thomson Reuters. This balance reflects the importance of building the Asian talent base and operations as well as ensuring Asian customers are represented at the highest level of the organisation," said Michael Peace, Managing Director of Asia, at Thomson Reuters.