First Names Group appoints Head of Asia

Friday 05 February 2016

First Names Group has appointed Jean Pierre (JP) Koolmees as Head of its Asian operations.

The group say that the hire marks a significant milestone for the business, as it looks to build its presence throughout Asia.

Holding a seat on the Group’s Management Committee, Mr Koolmees will report to Group CEO, Cengiz Somay, and will oversee both First Names Group and its subsidiary fund business Moore Management throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Based in Singapore, he will be responsible for further developing and implementing the Asia business strategy and growth plans covering important and new investor segments throughout the Group’s offices in Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan. He will work closely with the respective teams on the ground across Asia.

Originally from The Netherlands, Mr Koolmees holds a Master’s degree in Law from Leiden University, The Netherlands and has over 16 years’ experience in professional services. He joins First Names Group from Vistra in Singapore, which he founded in 2010. As Managing Director at Vistra he oversaw the day-to-day operation of the business and its 120+ employees.

First Names Group has grown to become one of world’s largest independent trust, fund and corporate services providers, operating in key strategic locations worldwide. Its growth in Asia will further expand its global reach through its flagship offices in both Hong Kong and Singapore.

Speaking about his appointment Mr Koolmees: “First Names Group has great vision and ambition and I am excited to be given the opportunity to play such a central role in its expansion in Asia. I look forward to working closely with the international leadership team as well as my colleagues in Hong Kong, Japan and Singapore to strengthen the Group’s positioning in Asia and grow the business here.”

Chief Executive Officer of First Names Group, Cengiz Somay, said: “It is a great pleasure to welcome JP to First Names Group. I am pleased that our collaborative, people-focused culture and strong global reputation enables us to attract top industry talent. Establishing and building a strong Group presence in the key international financial centres of Hong Kong and Singapore has been an important element of our plans for long-term organic growth, so I am naturally delighted that we are now well on our way towards this. JP is a highly experienced professional who I am certain will be an invaluable asset as we continue to attract new business and deepen our footprint in the region. We are delighted to have JP on board and very excited to see what the future holds for First Names Group in Asia.”