Principal Global Investors removes Asia head

Principal Global Investors has laid off its head of Asia ex-Japan in a move that has surprised market observers and raised questions about the firm's commitment to the region, AsianInvestor can reveal. Celestine Khoo Celestine Khoo left the US fund house "effective today", after it made "the difficult decision" to eliminate the role, a spokeswoman said. Kirk West, Sydney-based head of international (ex-US) business and clients, will assume leadership for the institutiona…