Head of Business Engagement, Japan

The Head of Business Engagement, Japan leads the Forum’s engagement with Japan’s foremost companies and drives the business strategy across this critical geography. This leadership role manages new partner development, existing partner retention, and a high-performing team to deliver key performance objectives aligned with global transformative trends.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Forum’s business strategy for Japan, designing and executing a growth plan aligned with Forum priorities.
• Manage the Japan business team and resources, ensuring delivery against KPIs, including partner acquisition and renewal.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with CEOs and senior executives from Japan, helping them capture value from the Forum’s platforms and communities.
• Drive business development across industries, visiting prospects and converting high-quality leads into Forum partners.
• Ensure retention of existing partners, coordinating with Partner Services and sector-focused teams to maximize engagement outcomes.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Heads of Industry and Heads of Centres to ensure that most relevant and senior colleagues are leveraged and deployed for both partner development and retention.
• Shape a compelling narrative on the region’s future, in collaboration with internal stakeholders including the Centre for Regions, Trade and Geopolitics.
• Oversee strategic planning and portfolio performance monitoring, ensuring business discipline and effective internal coordination.

Requirements

• Advanced degree and 15+ years’ experience in business or strategic engagement roles focused on Japan.
• Demonstrated success in building trust-based relationships with senior executives (CEO and Chair level) and translating strategic business priorities into customized engagement plans.
• Strong track record in business development, with a consultative approach and ability to convert high-potential opportunities.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management experience, with a collaborative, results-driven style.
• Native Japanese speaker with excellent communication skills in English; proficiency in another language is a plus.
• Strong strategic, operational and financial acumen, including budget oversight and performance management.
• Comfortable in a fast-paced, international environment; willing and able to travel up to 40% of the time.

Skills

• Business Engagement
• Strategic Engagements
• Relationship Building
• Senior Executive Engagement
• Business Development
• Consultative Selling
• Leadership
• Team Management
• Strategic Planning
• Operational Management
• Financial Acumen
• Budget Oversight
• Performance Management
• Japanese Language
• English Communication Skills
• Partner Development
• Partner Retention
• Travel Management

Languages

Japanese, English