UBS has appointed Toshiharu Kojima as country head Japan, and chairman and chief executive of UBS Securities Japan (UBSSJ) with immediate effect.

Kojima joins from Citigroup Principal Investments Japan, and as country head, will advise the chairman and CEO of UBS in Asia Pacific on formulating and implementing UBS's strategy in Japan.

He will also help develop strategies for the wealth and asset management businesses. In addition, Kojima will lead UBS's governmental and regulatory relationships, as well as the firm's charity and community affairs programs.

In his role as Chairman and CEO of UBSSJ, Kojima will be responsible for enhancing and implementing strategy to drive the continued growth of UBS Investment Bank's businesses in Japan.

Kojima will report to Rory Tapner, chairman and chief executive of UBS, Asia Pacific, and Jerker Johansson, chairman and chief executive of UBS Investment Bank.

Commenting on the appointment, Tapner said: "Kojima-san's experience, international perspective, and client focus will be invaluable in helping UBS fulfill its goal of creating the premier, client-focused financial services firm in Japan," said.