Amova Asset Management Co., Ltd. (formerly Nikko Asset Management) has confirmed Tamon Watanabe as a candidate for outside director. The appointment is planned to be formalised at the firm’s regular general meeting of shareholders scheduled for 25 June 2026. Afterwards, at a board meeting following the general meeting of shareholders, Watanabe is expected to be appointed as chair of the board of directors.
Watanabe has served on the board of directors, as an executive, and in other key roles at Japanese and global asset management firms including Nomura Asset Management Co., Ltd. and Franklin Templeton Investments Japan Limited. This gives him extensive experience and a deep understanding of both operational management and supervision of asset management firms.
Amova AM’s board is comprised of 11 directors who each possess a high level of expertise in finance and asset management, along with extensive experience in Japan and globally. Out of the 11 directors, nine are outside directors, five are women and five are non-Japanese. This ensures a governance structure characterised by a high degree of independence and transparency.
Against a backdrop of corporate governance reforms progressing in Japan and demand for asset managers to strengthen their own governance, Amova AM has been at the forefront of applying world class standards, with the May 2018 appointment of an outside director as chair of the board of directors.
Amova AM President and CEO Stefanie Drews explained: “We are confident that the appointment of Tamon Watanabe as chair of the board of directors will further strengthen the board’s supervisory function and enhance our corporate governance framework, drawing upon his vast knowledge of global standards in asset management. Furthermore, on behalf of all our directors and employees, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Yoichiro Iwama, our current chair of the board, for his outstanding insight and dedication to the supervision and guidance of the board for approximately eight years.”
- Appointment (effective 25 June 2026)
Outside Director – Tamon Watanabe
- Resignation (effective 25 June 2026)
Outside Director – Yoichiro Iwama
