Hiroshi worked for Bank of Tokyo Mitsubishi for 18 years prior to joining Bear Sterns in 1986 as Chief Japan Strategist. Mr. Ito, who has a Degree in Economics from the University of Kobe, worked closely with Jeremy Ashford at Bear Sterns' Bureau in Tokyo until co-founding Ashford Financial Group in 1994.

Hiroshi’s focus on research as the driving force behind the investment strategy at Ashford Financial Group has been responsible for identifying emerging industry and consumer trends, such as the stagnation of the economy in his native Japan, the Asian Economic Crisis of 1997 and the nascent rise of Greater China. Hiroshi’s insight into the economic, political and social trends in East Asia has enabled Ashford Financial Group to identify and capitalise on new markets, sectors and companies as they emerge, enabling our clients to invest in some of the leading companies in Asia before their importance and profit potential was widely recognised. Hiroshi has been instrumental in implementing and developing Ashford Financial Group’s investment strategy, as Chief Investment Officer 1994-1998 and since 2002, with a tenure as Chief Executive Officer 1998-2002, and has served as Chairman since 1994.