Ex-Japanese biz exec to lead state’s Asian strategy

Gov. Mike Pence has tapped a former Japanese company executive to serve as his special adviser for Asia and to lead the Indiana Economic Development Corp.'s strategy to strengthen and expand initiatives on the continent.

Rick Pease was hired by the state after a 30-year career at Columbus-based Enkei America, the North American division of a global automotive supplier.

Pease's duties will include leading the state's efforts to attract new jobs from Asian companies and to encourage existing Asia-based companies to expand their investments in Indiana.