International investment manager Neuberger Berman has appointed Jahangir Aka to lead operations in the Middle East and North Africa.

US-based investment house Neuberger Berman has hired Jahangir Aka as its head of Middle East and North Africa.

Based in Dubai, Aka will be responsible for driving growth for the firm in the MENA region, reporting to Neuberger Berman's head of EMEA and Latin America, Dik van Lomwel. He joins from SEI Investments, where he spent almost a decade, most recently as head of Middle East.

“As we continue to deepen client relationships and gain new ones in the MENA region, it’s important to have experienced professionals with local expertise. Jahangir has a deep understanding of the needs and priorities of our local clients and we look forward to his insight and contribution,” said van Lomwel in a statement.

Aka replaces Khalid Murgian, who left earlier this year, and joins after Neuberger Berman returned to a private ownership structure in December.

The firm currently operates from 18 countries and manages $250 billion in assets as of 31 December 2014.