Nikko Asset Management has announced significant leadership changes, effective from 1st April 2025, as part of its ongoing global growth strategy. Stefanie Drews, currently serving as president and representative director, will assume the additional role of CEO, overseeing the firm’s operations worldwide. This appointment highlights her contributions to the company since joining in 2014 and her leadership as president over the past three years.

Kuniyuki Shudo will join the organisation as representative director and executive chairman, succeeding Yutaka Nishida. Shudo brings extensive experience from his tenure at Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, where he held senior roles, including executive officer and managing executive officer. He also served on the board of the bank’s parent company, Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group. Shudo expressed his admiration for Nikko AM’s achievements under Drews and Nishida’s guidance and pledged to support the firm’s clients and stakeholders in achieving their goals.

Drews reflected on her tenure as president, stating: “In the three years since becoming president, I am so proud of all the progress our colleagues across all global offices and functions have made to position the business for the future, as we prepare to rename ourselves Amova Asset Management effective 1 September 2025.” She added that she looks forward to continuing this journey as CEO and working closely with Shudo to further enhance corporate governance.

Nishida, who is stepping down as executive Chairman, will remain on the board until June 2025 to ensure a smooth transition. Drews acknowledged his contributions, saying: “I would like to thank Nishida-san for his extensive contributions during his tenure with the firm. Not only did he improve our corporate governance, but he has been instrumental in building relationships, both with our clients, as well as everyone at our global offices. I wish him the best for the future.”

Drews joined Nikko AM in 2014 after holding senior positions at Barclays and Morgan Stanley. Her appointment as CEO coincides with Nikko AM’s plans to rebrand as Amova Asset Management later this year, signalling a new chapter in its global expansion efforts.