ING Investment Management (ING IM), soon to become NN Investment Partners, has appointed Hiroshi Kimura as CEO of ING IM Japan. 

Kimura joins ING IM from AllianceBernstein, where he was managing director client relations and communications and led third party distribution. He was also a member of the board. 

Over the past 6 years Kimura has built the intermediary business of AllianceBernstein and driven the growth of assets under management from $3bn to $10bn through key national distributors such as Nomura, Daiwa, Nikko and Mizuho, as well as through regional banks and distributors.

"With Kimura-San, we have appointed a CEO that brings highly sought-after experience and a business development track record to take ING IM Japan to the next level," said management board member Martin Nijkamp. 

"His breadth of expertise fits well with our strategic ambitions, and his leadership skills will contribute greatly to ING IM’s growth plans in Japan.”

Previously, Kimura held several leadership positions at Credit Suisse Asset Management, Rothschild Asset Management and Taiheiyo Asset Management in Japan. 

In his new role, Kimura succeeds Douglas Hymas. Hymas joined BNY Mellon as country executive for Japan and general manager of the company's Tokyo branch.