Sustainable infrastructure investor Actis announced today it has expanded into Japan with two senior hires, including Jun Ohashi as Partner and Head of Actis Japan, and Tareq Sirhan as Head of Energy in North Asia.

Actis said that it expects to commit almost $500 million in Japan over the next 4-5 years.

Actis stated that the Japan launch reflects the company’s strategic evolution to invest behind global themes and that it will primarily explore energy transition assets and New Economy Real Estate opportunities.  Acris will also look at opportunities in Taiwan and Korea.

Torbjorn Caesar, Senior Partner at Actis, said:

 “This is an important milestone for Actis and a statement of intent as global thematic investors, we see compelling opportunities in Japan and across North Asia which we can enhance with our operating skills and leading approach to sustainability. I’m delighted to welcome Jun and Tareq, who are huge talents and experienced professionals, and I am confident they will help to drive our growth and diversify our partnerships in the large and exciting Japanese market.”

In his new role, Ohashi will oversee Actis’ operations, relationships, and growth in Japan, and he will collaborate with the firm’s central teams to strengthen the institutional investor base in the region. Ohashi brings over 20 years of experience in corporate, project, and export finance and asset-backed security. Prior to joining the company, he spent almost 14 years at Macquarie, where he served as Head of Macquarie Capital Japan and has held other roles at Fuji Bank, Mizuho Corporate Bank, and UBS.

Ohashi said:

“Actis is a world-class sustainable infrastructure investor, with considerable experience across both asset management and sustainability, which will suit the Japanese market facing significant transformation in energy and infrastructure markets. The firm has raised large new funds investing on a truly global scale behind incredibly important themes. We see a huge opportunity for Actis in Japan and North Asia. I’m excited to be joining the firm at this exciting time in their global growth strategy.”

Sirhan will lead the growth of the energy business across Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan, and will be responsible for the origination, structuring, and execution of transactions and investment management. He also joins from Macquarie Group, where he served for almost 20 years in both Macquarie Capital and MIRA and has also been the Head of Principal Transactions for Macquarie Capital Japan.

Sirhan said: 

“Actis is a sustainability leader with a strong track record in transforming its assets while delivering for investors, local communities and the environment. I look forward to building on their track record of success, working closely with colleagues across Asia and worldwide, and in contributing to the global transition towards a low carbon economy.”