BNY Mellon, the US-based global investment firm, has named a country executive for its China operations.

Robert Kung takes over from Sunny Sun, who returns to BNY Mellon's New York headquarters to pursue a new role working with Asian clients in the US. Besides this role, Kung will also serve as general manager of the Shanghai branch, subject to regulatory approval.

As country executive, he will be the chief strategist, leader and senior representative for the company with clients and regulators in China. He joins the Asia-Pacific operating committee and reports jointly to Steve Lackey, Asia-Pacific chairman, and Eleni Wang, Asia-Pacific head of global client management.

Kung brings over 30 years of financial services experience, most recently serving as managing director and head of private banking for the China region at DBS. Before that, he was the managing director and head of China for Credit Suisse Clariden Leu Asset Management in Hong Kong.

BNY Mellon opened its first office in Mainland China in 1994, initially offering treasury, trade and payments services. It has since grown to include a range of investment services, including custody, fund administration, depositary receipts and foreign exchange. It also provides investment management via a joint venture partnership with Western Securities, BNY Mellon Western Fund Management, based in Shanghai.