Impax Asset Management, the specialist asset manager investing in the transition to a more sustainable global economy, has appointed Yasumitsu (Yasu) Iwasa as head of Japan.

Iwasa’s role at Impax is split across executive duties as country head and as a product specialist within Impax’s distribution team. 

His appointment follows the announcement in March that Impax would be opening a Japan office, following its selection by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government to receive a Green Finance Subsidy Program for Tokyo Market Entry.

Iwasa has nearly 30 years of investment banking and fund management experience in Japan. 

Prior to joining Impax in March 2023, he was head of Japan at Fullerton Fund Management, an asset management arm of Temasek Group. Before that he was with PIMCO where he led wholesale business development. 

Iwasa began his career at Goldman Sachs where he spent 12 years in equity derivatives and structuring. He holds an MIA in International Economics from Columbia University and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Essex.

He reports to Paul Voûte, head of distribution for Europe and Asia-Pacific.

Voûte said: “We are delighted to welcome Yasu to Impax to lead our new team in Tokyo. Yasu has extensive asset management experience and a well-established network among the asset owner community in Japan; he will be invaluable to strengthening our presence in the country.”

Iwasa added: “I am thrilled to join Impax and to lead its growth in Japan. Impax’s focus on investing in the transition to a more sustainable global economy is well aligned with the considerable demand for this area among Japanese asset owners.”