Former Russell Reynolds Executive Director to lead Akamai's new Tokoyo venture

Akamai Financial Markets, the specialist international financial markets executive search firm, today announces the next phase of its international expansion plans with the opening of a new operation in Japan, to be headed by former banker and Russell Reynolds Executive Director, Kojiro Nojiri. The office will begin trading on 2 July 2007.

In addition to offering specialist executive search services to both domestic and international clients, Akamaiís Tokyo operation will also offer a range of bespoke Business Intelligence products, unique to the Japanese market, designed to help clients strengthen their market position.

Kojiro Nojiri, has been appointed Managing Director, Japan and will report to Daren Kemp, Managing Director, Asia Pacific. Initially he will head up a six-strong team which has already been recruited from Tokyo-based competitors. It is expected that the team will double by the end of 2007.

Speaking from Tokyo Mike Brennan, CEO of Akamai Financial Markets, said:

We have been carefully planning our strategic entry into Japan for some time. Our team analysed the market and quite clearly there is no well-capitalized, specialized competitor of any significant critical mass offering our range of services. In addition, having test-marketed our research and Business Intelligence offering to Partner Clients here in Tokyo, our approach is something the market wants.

ìJapan is a key part of our Asian and international strategy and our entry into the Tokyo markets is very much client-led. Our goal is to build Tokyoís leading financial markets executive search firm which in turn will form an integral part of our overall Asian and international offering to clientsî