Howden has appointed Akihisa Hirata as head of construction & infrastructure assets for Japan, effective immediately, the insurance broker announced last week.
Hirata joins Howden from Price Forbes, where he served as director. Before that, he worked at Tokio Marine Group for over 33 years, most recently as deputy general manager.
In his new role, Hirata will focus on strengthening coordination between Howden’s Japan business and its global construction practice as Japanese investment in overseas construction and infrastructure grows.
Howden established a Japan-focused initiative within its construction and infrastructure assets division in February to support Japanese-led projects globally. The initiative operates as a global resource while working closely with the firm’s local office.
As part of the launch, Howden appointed Nobu Akahane as head of Japanese construction, with Masami Ono also taking on a senior role in the initiative.
The broker has continued to expand its infrastructure capabilities this year. In March, it launched a global advisory and client solutions practice within its specialty division, covering opportunities across its critical infrastructure, energy, and marine and offshore portfolios.
Most recently, Howden strengthened its Japan business by appointing Junichiro Ito as head of natural resources. Ito, who joined in July, carries more than 20 years of experience in the insurance and energy sectors, including in energy underwriting.
