Third Arrow Strategies and the Japan Board Diversity Network

The Role of the Chair, Effective Chair Leadership, Female Chairs. ??Replay: https://lnkd.in/gMw4JdDa ??Please read and comment below. JAPAN In Japan, the number of female board chairs is still very low (counting on fingers and maybe toes low). This can be explained by the prevalence of the combined CEO/Chair role (80% in 2023 as reported by Naoko Ueno from Glass, Lewis & Co.) combined with generally shorter tenure of most female board directors. ??I believe there are several Japanese companies with female chair leadership currently on the board. (not limited to Japan). ??I believe Japanese companies should focus on nominating female board directors who they can envision appointing as chair. ??I believe with attention expanding from the number of women on the board to include the number of female directors with leadership roles on the board, these numbers can materially change in the next several years. ??As always, I recommend careful examination of the pros/cons of the combined CEO/Chair role. Let's take a look at the US for reference. The slide carousel shares interesting data prepared by Annalisa Barrett of the KMPG Board Leadership Center. Do you know? (Answers in slides) ?How many Russell 3000 companies have a female chair? ?What is the most common board tenure of female chairs in the US? ?What is the most common age bracket of female chairs in the US? ?What percent of female chairs are over age 70? Under age 50? ?What percent of companies have a combined CEO/Chair role? And the last question... ?Is it more common for men or women to hold the combined CEO/Chair role? How did you do? Third Arrow Strategies and the Japan Board Diversity Network Maya Ito Nishimura & Asahi NET One Systems Co Ltd Masako Egawa Mitsui & Co., Ltd. Tokio Marine Group AGC Group #corporategovernance #femaleleadership #boardgovernance Kaoru Umino Hiroko Koide

Nikkei Asia Opinion Piece! I have spoken to hundreds of directors in Japan including progressive Japanese male internal directors, female outside directors, and non-Japanese serving on boards in Japan. I've also analyzed the board composition of hundreds of companies. This article encompasses what I have learned and what I believe is the next crucial step for Japan. Takeaways: ?There is still a tremendous opportunity to strengthen boards by overcoming geographic and language barriers and considering global talent, including non-Japanese and Japanese residing overseas. ?Gender-diverse and global boards are more likely to efficiently allocate capital, challenge M&A transactions, and have stronger employee recruitment and retention. ?Technology has made it easier for Japanese companies to access a more diverse talent pool. ?If Japanese companies were as excited about the opportunity to secure foreign talent, as foreign talent is excited to serve on Japan's boards, this would catalyze a long-needed internationalization. Special mentions and thanks to the following companies and members for their support! Hitachi Helmuth Ludwig Nissan Motor Corporation Brenda Harvey dentsu Alison Malin Zoellner Taro Sawada Paul Candland Andrew House I was pleased to incorporate a headline from 2005 from my dear friend Glen S. Fukushima! Thanks to my editor! Andrew Sharp https://lnkd.in/gpsEDdkm Third Arrow Strategies and the Japan Board Diversity Network U.S.-Japan Council Women Corporate Directors #corporategovernance

10/28 in Tokyo! We are going to educate, connect, and inspire one another! Curating new content to inspire boards in Japan! OUR STAR LINE-UP! ??Annalisa Barrett of KPMG Board Leadership Center* ??David Michels of Bain & Company's Change and Transformation practice! Previously announced: ? Masako Egawa - renowned #governance leader and #boarddirector ?Jin Montesano leading LIXIL and revolutionizing #humancapital ?Maya Ito of Nishimura & Asahi leading the next generation What we will discuss: ?The Role of the Board Chair globally and in Japan ?The Importance of Chair Leadership in Governance ?The need to have more female board chairs and committee chairs ?How to manage organizational energy in a transformation ?Succession planning for leadership ?How to deepen your own leadership to have more impact REGISTER: https://lnkd.in/gJ24GtZw *Recently announced as NACD (National Association of Corporate Directors) Top 100 honorees! Third Arrow Strategies and the Japan Board Diversity Network

Let's do this right! Founded in 2021 on the principles of former Prime Minister Abe's Third Arrow of economic reform, the Japan Board Diversity Network is the largest global network dedicated solely to providing premier skills-based diverse executive talent for boards of public and private companies in Japan. With several hundred members, including Japanese and non-Japanese, with C-suite, operational, executive experience, AI, DX, CX, marketing, legal, sustainability, and financial investment skills, we are raising the bar for #boarddiversity and #corporategovernance in Japan. While 70% of our members reside in Japan, we are also breaking down the barriers to identifying and onboarding global talent, with a process roadmap and best practices for managing issues of language and geography. We are dedicated to diverse, skills-based boards which create long-term sustainable value for the future of Japan. As the founder of this network, I apply my experience in corporate governance with ISS | Institutional Shareholder Services and my experience in value creation from EY to strengthen the economic future of Japan. We leverage all of the expertise of our partners to provide the best education and resources to drive change. Candidates and companies can contact me to learn more or to join our movement! Third Arrow Strategies and the Japan Board Diversity Network #nikkei #investjapan #futureofjapan #abenomics #womeintheboardroom Tokyo Stock Exchange CFA Society Japan - 日本CFA協会

Financial knowledge is critical for all board directors. All decisions impact long-term sustainable growth and value. #Strategy, investments, #M&A, divestitures, restructurings, and capital allocation are all financial decisions. Even climate, AI, and human capital aspects can and should be considered in a valuation - both from the expected cash flows from climate-friendly products, efficiencies in AI, and more talented professionals - as well as the decreased risk from proper management of all of these items which could lead to a liquidation. While in Japan, it is rare to see women in senior investment decision-making roles at the largest Japanese firms, Japanese women have risen to the top at non-Japanese firms. (Studies have found that women are also great investors.) I'm pleased to bring together Keiko Horkan of Dodge & Cox, Noriko Honda Chen of Capital Group, and Kaoru Kobu of Invesco Ltd. Japan (as well as the 30% Club Global Japan) for a discussion on "Financial Metrics that Matter: Enhancing Board Decision Making." Together, these women bring 75+ years of investment experience. They have led investment committees. REGISTER: https://lnkd.in/gJ24GtZw JBDN members are active learners who contribute to their boards. By educating these women to ask the right questions in their boardrooms, we elevate #corporategovernance in Japan. That is our impact. I also hope by sharing the profiles of these financially savvy women, all women in Japan will understand that investment is not only for men. Historically, finance and investment has been a male-dominated field. I do remember being in the minority when I the CFA Institute exam in 2000! Third Arrow Strategies and the Japan Board Diversity Network *JBDN events are intended for female board directors, executive officers, and other senior leaders. A few guest spaces are allocated for each event. JBDN trainings are applicable to all genders, but our current network is limited to women. To sponsor a member of your company, contact us today!

Can compensation incentivize performance in Japan? Is high pay valued in Japan as it is Western countries? Can anyone understand Elon Musk's pay package? I am pleased for you to meet Jun Frank and Laura Hay - two of the most well-known experts in #compensation and #governance. Compensation committees are relatively new to Japan. Most are unofficial as most companies do not have a 3-committee system. In this seminar, we will provide #boarddirector education to inform and advise strategy. REGISTER**: https://lnkd.in/gJ24GtZw **This event is intended for JBDN members and those interested in membership. A few guest spaces are available, so register if interested! Third Arrow Strategies and the Japan Board Diversity Network #executivecompensation #boardeducation #corporategovernance Tokyo Stock Exchange CFA Society Japan - 日本CFA協会 ISS | Institutional Shareholder Services Meridian Compensation Partners, LLC

Excited! This interview was arranged by the masterful Koh Matsuki! I was able to share insights gained from HUNDREDS of conversations with Japanese women, board directors, investors, and other executives. WATCH HERE: https://lnkd.in/gpKzisUK I invited JBDN member Mayumi Ando, who brings vast experience as a former portfolio manager at a Japanese company, a gender studies expert, and a #boarddirector. As a whole, Japan is moving forward rapidly. While it may seem like small steps are being taken, together, there are hundreds of small steps being taken. Mentioned: ITOCHU Corporation 朝勤務、ご利敵な仕事 (example of flexible work policies - it is a known story that Itochu's focus on productivity and flexible work policies resulted in an increase in the birthrate of children of Itochu women) Makiko Eda (example of an executive Japanese women joining a Japanese company to support positive change) Mika Nishimura (example of Japanese woman residing overseas serving on a Japanese board) Brenda Harvey (example of a foreign woman residing overseas serving on a Japanese board) Jin Montesano (example of non-Japanese transformational leader in all aspects including HR and board composition). Miki Oikawa (President, Pola - example of a female CEO of a Japanese company inspiring the female workforce) Third Arrow Strategies and the Japan Board Diversity Network #genderdiversity #japaninvesting #sustainablejapan #女性活躍推進 #womensempowerment Makiko Nakamori

Don't miss the March Japan Board Diversity Network Newsletter: https://lnkd.in/gbNfX7vX Visit our Website to learn about our #corporategovernance programsand #boarddirector search services. https://lnkd.in/gJzFut38 Subscribe, Connect, Join! Third Arrow Strategies and the Japan Board Diversity Network

Japan has historically lagged in board director education and fallen short of global #corporategovernance standards. Notably, many believe Japan is lagging in #digitaltransformation and #generative AI. I am excited to announce the next LIVE JBDN event in #Tokyo will be hosted by IBM at the IBM Innovation Center. I can feel the ripple effect of this event already! JBDN members show-up, study, and bring ideas to their boards and companies. This is why JBDN members are excellent #boarddirectors and #boardcandidates! #aigovernance #boardeducation #governance Third Arrow Strategies and the Japan Board Diversity Network