KKR hires BAML executive in Japan

Harada spent 16 years at BAML, which followed a four-year stint with Daiwa Securities SMBC working on M&A in Tokyo and London. In his most recent role, Harada was primarily responsible for financial sponsors, leveraged finance and M&A, in addition to concentrating on tech, media and telecom sector coverage.

“This appointment, along with additional experienced hires to our team, reinforces our long-term commitment to Japan and underscores our view that private equity will continue to be an important strategy in this market,” Hiro Hirano, KKR’s co-head of Asia Pacific private equity and CEO for Japan, said in a statement.

KKR opened its Tokyo office in 2006 and has since committed more than $2.2 billion of equity to deals in Japan. PE investors see huge potential for corporate carve-outs in the country as domestic conglomerates prioritize efficiency before size. Several of KKR’s existing portfolio companies were secured through divestments, including AlphaTheta, Magneti Marelli CK Holdings, and Koki Holdings.

Last month, the firm announced it would sell AlphaTheta, a DJ equipment manufacturer previously known as Pioneer DJ, to a local strategic buyer. This follows an agreement last year to exit semiconductor components maker Kokusai Electric to US-listed Applied Materials.

KKR announced several promotions in Asia at the end of last year. Among them was Tokyo-based Hisao Iijima, who was elevated to managing director.

• Tweet  
• Facebook  
• LinkedIn  
• Google plus  
• Save this article  
• Send to  

• Topics
• North Asia
• People
• GPs
• Japan
• KKR
• Appointments