Apollo Appoints Yasuo Kashiwagi as Head of Japan to Drive Strategic Growth
Apollo Appoints Yasuo Kashiwagi as Head of Japan to Strengthen Regional Strategy
Apollo Global Management (NYSE: APO) has announced the appointment of Yasuo Kashiwagi as Head of Japan. In his new role, Kashiwagi will oversee Apollo’s integrated strategy for Japan, managing local partnerships and strengthening operations across asset management, capital solutions, and retirement services. This move aims to enhance Apollo’s position as a leader in managing investments and providing robust investment portfolio strategies in the Japanese market.
Expanding Apollo’s Presence in Japan
For nearly 20 years, Apollo has maintained a strong presence across the Asia-Pacific region. The company established its Tokyo office in 2019 and has since expanded its capabilities in origination, insurance, and wealth management to address the growing demand for flexible, yield-oriented investment solutions. Today, Apollo’s Japanese team exceeds 30 professionals, reflecting its ongoing commitment to scaling its operations and expanding with local institutional and distribution partnerships.
Kashiwagi's Vision for Growth
Yasuo Kashiwagi brings over three decades of global financial leadership to Apollo. Most recently, he served as Senior Managing Executive Officer and Deputy Chief Executive at Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Banking Corporation. Kashiwagi’s experience also includes senior positions at Nomura Holdings in both Europe and the United States. In his new role, he will guide Apollo’s next growth phase in Japan by expanding institutional relationships, enhancing strategy for investing, and optimizing local business execution.
Leadership at Apollo emphasized that Japan’s long-term trends align with the firm’s strengths. The rise in demand for private capital and the evolving needs of the retirement sector have created greater opportunities for Apollo to offer tailored investment analysis and portfolio management strategies to Japanese investors.
Commitment to Local Partnerships
Apollo’s leadership team highlighted their disciplined approach and focus on delivering investment solutions that match the needs of local partners. Tatsuo Tanaka, Japan Chair, noted that the market’s changing landscape requires innovative strategies for investing, especially as corporations seek alternative capital sources and as the retirement ecosystem transforms. Kashiwagi’s appointment reinforces Apollo’s commitment to supporting these shifts with next-generation investment and retirement solutions.
Building on Momentum
Mr. Kashiwagi’s arrival follows a series of strategic hires and initiatives by Apollo in Japan. The firm has added professionals across wealth management, credit, and hybrid investment areas, broadened its support for blue-chip companies, and developed partnerships to expand its lending and retirement offerings. Currently, Apollo and Athene jointly manage approximately $20 billion in assets in Japan, covering private credit, hybrid, and private equity strategies.
About Apollo
Apollo is a global alternative asset manager recognized for its investment expertise and capacity to deliver returns across the investment spectrum, from investment-grade credit to private equity. Through Athene, its retirement services division, Apollo helps clients secure long-term financial outcomes with a suite of retirement savings products. As of June 30, 2025, Apollo manages $840 billion in assets worldwide, supporting a diverse set of clients with innovative capital solutions and investment analysis designed to manage portfolio risk and achieve positive outcomes.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
