Izawa replaces Masato Degawa, who has decided to retire from the firm.
Izawa’s appointment will be effective from 18 May. He will join BlackRock from Japan Post Bank, where he was president and chief executive for more than five years. Previously, he worked with Mitsui & Co for 38-years.
The hiring reflects BlackRock’s deep commitment to Japan and its strong conviction over the nation’s future, Laurence Fink, chairman and CEO of BlackRock said.
“We believe that the government’s continuing reform agenda and the reinvigorated corporate sector offer significant opportunity. We are eager to work with our clients and others across Japan to realise that opportunity and to help them achieve better financial futures,” Fink added.
Izawa reports to Ryan Stork, Asia-Pacific chairman at BlackRock.
“Izawa’s insights and knowledge mean he is ideally placed to represent the firm’s Japan capabilities across our global and local client base, and to further develop and execute our long-term business strategy in this market. He will represent BlackRock at the most senior level with clients, government entities and other institutions,” Stork said.
BlackRock had $4.8trn in assets under management on 31 March.
