NEW YORK -- GoldenTree Asset Management (“GoldenTree”), a global asset management firm with approximately $70 billion in assets under management, announced the hiring of Ken Takao as Principal and Head of Business Development in Japan. The newly created role is based in GoldenTree’s Tokyo office. Mr. Takao will also serve as a Representative in Japan, and will report to Kathy Sutherland, GoldenTree’s CEO. He brings more than two decades of leadership experience and deep relationships in Japan to GoldenTree, joining the firm from Fortress Investment Group, where he served as a Managing Director in the Client & Product Solutions Group.

Kathy Sutherland said, “Over the last two decades, the Japanese have been important investors in our funds and CLOs as well as distributors of our offerings. As Japanese investors increase their exposure in areas such as opportunistic credit, private credit, distressed debt and emerging market debt, we are excited to expand our local presence and deepen our relationships in the region. Ken brings over two decades of expertise and leadership in Japan and we are pleased to welcome him to the GoldenTree team.”

Ken Takao noted, “GoldenTree has a 25-year track record of delivering differentiated returns through a disciplined and time-tested approach to value investing across the credit universe. As Japanese investors continue to optimize their portfolios and diversify exposure across credit, I am honored to broaden and deepen the dialogue with investors locally. GoldenTree first established a local presence in Japan almost 10 years ago, and I look forward to collaborating with the team to further strengthen the business and support our clients’ investment objectives. I am confident GoldenTree’s performance-driven philosophy and commitment to investment excellence will enable the firm to continue to grow with Japanese investors.”