Hitomi is our Japan Office Manager

I have 19 years of experience working with the largest pharmaceutical company in the Philippines, where I developed a strong foundation in financial management and administrative operations. My expertise includes cash handling, sales management, and performance analysis, with a consistent track record of supporting business objectives through accurate financial oversight.

Area of Focus

With a solid background in Accounting, I am skilled in the preparation and analysis of key financial reports such as Cash Flow Statements, Accounts Receivable Reports, Ageing Analysis, and Profit and Loss Statements. I also specialize in interpreting financial data to assess company performance and provide actionable insights into the organization’s financial health.

My Background

I hold a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy. My long-term service in a single organization enabled me to take on various roles and responsibilities, providing me with a wide-ranging experience across different business functions. This has allowed me to continually expand my knowledge and refine my skills, making me a valuable contributor to any organization I work with.

My Expertise

With over 20 years of experience in the recruitment industry, I bring a wealth of knowledge and insight to the table.  My focus is primarily on senior-level searches, where I have a proven track record of consistently delivering results for my clients. Notably, I have originated and executed numerous retained positions, further showcasing my commitment to providing top-tier executive talent to our valued clients.  I balance my time between Business Development, Recruitment, Training and Management tasks.

Area of Focus

Throughout my career, I have primarily specialized in the financial services sector, making it my area of expertise. Particularly, my core competence lies in sell-side equities, where I have honed my skills and built an extensive network of professionals and industry leaders. However, my reach extends beyond financial services, as I have successfully placed talented individuals in asset management, legal, and technology fields as well.

My Background

I began my journey by graduating from the Carlow Institute of Technology, where I earned a Degree in Software Engineering. With a solid foundation in technology and problem-solving, I embarked on my professional career as a software engineer at Sun Microsystems, where I honed my technical skills and gained valuable industry experience for 2.5 years. However, my thirst for exploration led me to Japan, where I spent over a year teaching English and immersing myself in a new culture. This experience broadened my horizons and fuelled my passion for connecting people.

Recognizing my innate talent for building relationships and identifying talent, I transitioned into the field of executive recruitment. Prior to founding Ascent Global Partners in 2012, I worked for both retained and contingent recruitment firms, acquiring a deep understanding of the recruitment landscape and refining my expertise in matching top-tier candidates with exceptional opportunities.  In my spare time I sing in a rock band, regularly attend Crossfit classes at my gym, cook and spend time with my family.

Track Record of Excellence

Chu is a Principal Consultant in our Japan Financial services team

My Expertise

I have been covering front-office roles in the Financial industry in Japan since Jan 2004. Throughout my career, I have experience in servicing clients and candidates in FICC, Structured Products, Equity, Asset Management, and Private Wealth. In recent years, I primarily focus on FICC and Structured products ranging from junior to senior level.

My Expertise

With over 25 years of experience in the recruitment industry, I help my clients and candidates with a wealth of knowledge and insight in the finance industry.  I focus on the financial industry as both a player and manager, including areas such as investment banking (corporate finance) and global markets including derivatives.  My focus is primarily on senior-level searches, where I have a proven track record of consistently delivering results for my clients.   I have originated and executed numerous retained and contingent positions, demonstrating my commitment to providing top-tier executive talent to our valued clients.  I try to understand what our clients are seeking from new hires and find suitable candidates from conventional profiles as well as out of box talent.

Area of Focus

Throughout my career, I have primarily specialized in the financial services sector, making it my area of expertise. Particularly, my core competence lies in the broad equity area (sales, trading, structuring, and research) and investment banking, where I have honed my skills and built an extensive network of professionals and industry leaders. However, my reach extends beyond financial services, as I have successfully placed talented individuals in asset management, compliance, fintech, crypto, and technology fields as well. 

My Background

My journey began with a Master’s Degree in Industrial Engineering (Operations Research) from Waseda University in Tokyo. After a few years working for a global leader in the glass manufacturing industry (AGC), I pursued further studies in the United States and earned an MBA degree with distinction from Cornell University. I then joined the World Bank in Washington DC as a financial analyst in the Agriculture Project Department, specializing in Latin American countries for six years. Afterward, I returned to Tokyo and spent 12 years at JP Morgan, where I held various positions ranging from fixed-income sales to investment banking. Following a five-year stint at Chemical/Chase Bank, I made a career transition from the finance industry to the recruitment industry. I spent my initial three years at Korn Ferry and the subsequent 19 years at New Millennium Group, a finance industry recruitment specialist, before joining Ascent Global Partners.

Track Record of Excellence

My Expertise

With 20 years of experience in financial markets spanning investment banking, equity sales and investment algorithms development, I have a very strong understanding of the financial industry, from back-office to front-office. My focus is on both business development and candidate consultancy in order to grow the business in Hong Kong.

Area of Focus

I have built my skills over decades of experience, mainly in the equities market and most recently my focus has been on developing investment algorithms. Through my activities, I have managed to build an extensive network of financial professionals, both on sell-side and buy-side, spanning three continents, as well as multiple areas of expertise, that will allow me to focus on the investment banking, hedge funds and asset management sectors, covering front office, operations and tech roles.

My Background

I graduated in Economics with a minor in Option Pricing from Osaka University, and then completed an MBA with a focus on supply chain optimization at the same university, I soon discovered my passion for sales and business development after I started working.  The next 12 years were always in the front office with investment banks like Nomura Securities, UBS, Macquarie Securities and BNP Paribas, in Japan and Hong Kong. In 2016 I decided to try something new, by going back to my roots in option pricing & management science and started research work on artificial intelligence, eventually leading to my work developing investment algorithms.

In my spare time, I like endurance sports training, focusing mainly on IronMan level training nowadays, as well as reading and traveling.

My Expertise

As I continue to grow in the recruitment industry, I have expanded my knowledge and expertise in sourcing the right talents for our clients and helping exceptional individuals discover great opportunities for themselves. With a proven track record of finding exceptional candidates, particularly within the financial technology sector, I am committed to providing valuable support to candidates, guiding them through the interview process, and helping them prepare effectively to enhance their chances of landing their desired positions.

Area of Focus

I specialize in conducting thorough searches within the finance and financial technology sectors, with a focus on application support, sales, and compliance roles. With my expertise and extensive network, I have a proven track record of successfully placing highly skilled professionals in this field. Additionally, I have also successfully placed exceptional candidates for roles within the retail and real estate industries.

My Background

After graduating from the Center for Asian Culinary Studies in Manila, I developed a strong passion for cooking and pastry. I began my career in the hospitality industry, working in hotels and restaurants to enhance my culinary skills and gain exposure to various dishes and cuisines. Unexpectedly, I transitioned into the world of virtual assistance as a movie reviewer on a popular app and later transitioned into the role of a Market Researcher, where I gained three years of valuable experience. During this time, I also launched my own pastry business, which allowed me to continue my personal and professional growth.

As a researcher at Ascent Global Partners, despite the initial challenges of the recruitment field, I have received training and support from my colleagues, which has fuelled my genuine passion for helping people find excellent job opportunities. Outside of work, I value spending time with my family and dogs and enjoying their company. I also enjoy indulging in iced lattes as a refreshing treat. Reading the Bible and sharing its teachings with others has been an important part of my life, allowing me to nurture my spiritual growth and make meaningful contributions to those around me.

My Expertise

Specializing research in the field of recruitment.  Collaborating closely with the consultants to actively search talents and qualified candidates. 

 Area of Focus

During my experience in the recruitment industry, my main focus has been on specializing on candidate search within the retail, financial services, and technology sectors.

 My Background

After achieving my Commerce degree, I worked as administrative support in a lead generation company for over 5 years, improving my research and computer skills. Amidst the pandemic, I transitioned my career to an ESL company, where I honed my English communication abilities during a two-year tenure. Finally, in September 2022, I joined Ascent Global Partners, initially as a Trainer before transitioning to the research team as a dedicated researcher. Alongside my professional endeavours, I also volunteer as a Bible teacher in Sign Language.