Natixis CIB appoints Saburo Koyama as Head of Aviation Finance, Japan

Natixis Corporate & Investment Banking (Natixis CIB) has appointed Saburo Koyama as Head of Aviation Finance in Japan.

Based in Tokyo, Saburo will report to Mariko Nakamura, Head of Business Division, Natixis Tokyo Branch and Charles Zhou, Head of Aviation Finance, Asia Pacific. In his role, he will be responsible for growing Natixis CIB’s aviation finance business in Japan and brings more than 25 years of aviation sector experience to this role.

“This is an important hire for our Japan business as we continue to plan for our team’s expansion in Tokyo,” said Mariko Nakamura.

Previously, Saburo worked at Marubeni Corporation, where his most recent role was Deputy Director, Aerospace and Defense. During his career at Marubeni, Saburo set up Marubeni’s first aircraft leasing arm called MD Aviation Capital, made an initial acquisition of shares of Aircastle, and established the JOL/JOLCO business at iStrings Aviation Capital where he acted as Founder and CEO.

Saburo began his career at ANA Trading, a wholly owned subsidiary of All Nippon Airways and worked in various roles including parts trading, aircraft disposals and BFE procurement.

Commenting on the appointment, Charles Zhou said: “We are delighted to welcome Saburo on board. He brings a wealth of experience to our team, with a proven track record in the aviation sector. His joining will help to enhance our aviation finance expertise globally and support our business growth in Japan. We’d also like to extend our gratitude to his predecessor in the role, Shiro Kambara, for his contribution to the business.”

Jean Chedeville, Global Head of Aviation Finance at Natixis CIB added: “Japan is a key aviation finance hub and an area of focus for Natixis CIB. We’ve seen a strong demand in aircraft assets recently and we are continuing to strengthen and develop our aviation finance capabilities. Saburo’s knowledge and expertise in the aviation industry will enable us to enhance our client offering in Japan and globally.”