Blackstone names ex-Morgan Stanley banker as Japan chair

Shigetomi’s remit is described as overseeing the private equity firm’s Japan businesses and helping navigate local financial and regulatory environments. He replaces Katsuyuki Kuki, an ex-J.P. Morgan banker who became country chairman in 2017 and has now transitioned to an executive advisor role. He has supported Blackstone’s investing and capital raising efforts in Japan.

In addition to his global role at Morgan Stanley, Shigetomi served as a managing director in the investment banking division of Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley Securities and head of the firm’s technology, media and telecom (TMT) banking team. He has also worked for the Industrial Bank of Japan.

“Ryusuke brings nearly four decades of experience in Japan’s financial industry and a reputation of excellence. We are thrilled to have him join at an exciting time of growth for Blackstone in Japan,” Stephen Schwarzman, chairman, CEO, and co-founder of the firm, said in a statement.

He added that 2020 marked Blackstone’s “best year yet” in Japan, with landmark transactions across both real estate and private equity – deploying $7.3 billion – and the introduction of the Private Wealth Solutions business. Private equity activity includes the purchase of a portfolio of over-the-counter medicines and health products from Takeda Pharmaceutical for JPY242 billion ($2.3 billion).

Earlier in the year, Blackstone appointed Eiichi Hasegawa, who most recently served as an advisor to former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, as a senior advisor in the country.

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