Sona Asset Management has made two senior appointments to bolster its engagement with Japanese investors as part of the firm’s ongoing expansion in Asia, which includes an expected new office in Tokyo later this year.
Suzutaro Kuroyanagi as Senior Manager of Japan Business Development and Investor Relations, based in Tokyo, bringing more than 30 years of experience across domestic and international investment sectors in Japan. Kuroyanagi’s previous roles include Co-Representative Director and Head of Alternative Investments at Mercer Investments, as well as positions at BFC Asset Management, Barclays Global Investors (now BlackRock), State Street Global Advisors, and Mitsui Trust and Banking.
Sona has also welcomed back Mark Tanase, former Partner and Financials Portfolio Manager, as Managing Director and Head of Japan Business Development. Tanase, based in London, will lead strategic development and investor engagement in Japan, working alongside Kuroyanagi. He previously consulted for Sona since September 2025 and has extensive experience in Japanese banking and finance, including seven years at Mitsubishi Bank in Tokyo.
The appointments follow Sona’s 2024 opening of a Hong Kong office to support increased deal activity across the Asia-Pacific region. The firm, which manages a diversified suite of credit strategies, aims to deepen relationships with Japanese institutions and develop bespoke solutions that leverage its global credit platform.
John Aylward, founder and chief investment officer of Sona, said the hires strengthen the firm’s connectivity with Japanese investors and advance the next phase of its regional strategy.
Sona has grown significantly since its founding in 2016, establishing itself as a leading alternative credit platform with expertise in leveraged finance and relative-value investing. The firm now manages approximately $17.5bn in assets across flagship, capital solutions, and CLO strategies.is planning a push into the Japanese private credit market, as part of its ongoing global expansion strategy.
