After a four year career at the Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi, he entered the asset management business in 1985 and since then has held extensive professional roles ranging from portfolio management and quantitative research & development to international marketing.

Mr. Hikima has served Japanese and non-Japanese organizations for some time, including pension fund sponsors, foreign governments and supranationals, as an investment advisor. He later focused more on new business areas in Japan such as Defined Contribution Plans, as well as retail investment trust business. He became the President & CEO for Nikko Asset Management in January 2002, after serving as Executive Director, Head of Product & Business Development for three years. He has taken the initiative in developing the first SRI Funds in Japan such as “Nikko Eco Fund” and “Nikko Global Sustainability Fund” and continues his active roles in promoting SRI worldwide as a Steering Committee member of UNEP FI. He received a B.A. in International Finance from Sophia University and is a Chartered Member of the Securities Analysts Association of Japan as well as CFA in the United States.