Toshiharu Kojima has left his vice-chairmanship at Citigroup Principal Investments to head up the totality of UBSÆs Japan operations. On top of the chairman and CEO positions, he is also country head. In a press release, UBS stated: "Subject to the relaxation of Japanese firewall regulations, he will assume in his capacity as country head Japan, direct executive responsibility for the management of all UBSÆs business groups in Japan.ö
UBS has opted for a local to replace a foreigner with this move, as former Japan CEO Mark Branson moves to Zurich to take up the position of CFO for the bankÆs wealth management business. Kojima will report to Rory Tapner, chairman and CEO of UBS for Asia-Pacific, and to Jerker Johansson, chairman and CEO of UBS investment bank.
"Having a local CEO will be great for our client relationships,ö says Yasuki Matsui, co-head of investment banking.
Taichi Takahashi, head of equities, adds that the Kojima's move is ôa great endorsement of the strength of our businesses, and the growth prospects that he sees for those businessesö.
Kojima is best known for being CEO of the landmark joint venture Nikko Salomon Smith Barney (now known as Nikko Citigroup), a position he held from 1999 to 2004. Kojima, 58, was educated at TokyoÆs Sophia University, where he studied Portuguese, before joining Nomura Securities.
¬ Haymarket Media Limited. All rights reserved.
