CEO Insights Executive Group

Join Fellow CEO Insights Bosses At The British Business Awards
2023-11-02 18:00 - 21:00 (Asia/Tokyo) | Hilton Tokyo Shinjuku, 6 Chome-6-2 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 160-0023, Japan
CEO Insights members have an exclusive table at the British Business Awards this year. We’re excited to celebrate business and our executive group at this special event in Tokyo. Enjoy time together with other CEOs to take in the great food, special music performances, and awards ceremonies for the 2023 British Business Awards. We currently only have 10 seats total so space is extremely limited.
The British Business Awards 2023 – this year’s largest celebration of UK-Japan culture and commerce – to be held on the evening of Thursday, November 2 (1800-2200JST), at Hilton Tokyo.
The British Business Awards (BBA) gala was launched in 2008 with the goal of celebrating excellence whilst showcasing success and innovation across all industries. The Awards also highlight the important social contributions made by British and Japanese organisations and individuals through their commitment to sustainability, community and ethics.

*¥29,000/seat. No refunds are available after 6PM 13 Oct 2023. Cancellation waived if replacement CEOs is found by cancelling party.

Year End Wrap Up- Better Boss, Better Business
2023-12-08 12:30 - 13:00 | The Oak Door Steakhouse, 6th Floor Grand Hyatt Tokyo, 6-10-3 Roppongi, Minato, Tokyo, 106-0032, Japan
As yet another year closes, many executive offices are reviewing what worked and what didn’t, what sold and what didn’t, what blew up and what overflowed. In addition to national responsibility, many of our member CEOs have other countries in Asia as well as Australia/New Zealand reporting to them. Growth is about reflecting on management mistakes as well as building management successes. We are taking our businesses and our leadership to the next Level
The December CEO Insights meeting is one of the most popular and well attended meetings as executives get ready for the Christmas holidays and year’s end. This will be likely be your last chance to rub elbows with Asia’s top Tokyo-based CEOs and leadership.

Experience Your Future Success NOW With One Of The World's Leading Executive Coaches
2024-01-18 12:30 - 14:00 | Roppongi Hills Club- PROTEUS Room, 51 fl. Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 106-6151, Japan
Every leader should have a vision or work to be more of a visionary in their organization. Building and selling a product or service is important in business, but you also have to know where you will stay for the long run. The most successful companies are those who build something and have a clear vision for the future of that product. You can see that with Apple, Cocacola, Godiva, Oracle, Lego, and many other brands. Other companies are more like a one-hit-wonder musician of the past. In the kick-off of 2024, we will help you experience your future by planning for the year now.
We are thrilled to welcome back Mr. Philippe Grall for our January luncheon. A renowned executive coach and leadership trainer, Mr. Grall has played an essential role in transforming businesses in Japan and globally. He will lead an interactive session focused on the power of vision development for CEOs, incorporating a unique goal-setting process and a special vision guidance experience. Philippe got great reviews after his last visit to CI, and we look forward to seeing him again!

More About Mr. Grall-Mr. Grall, the founder of Equilibre k.k. since 2006, is a renowned executive coach for top-tier brands across Japan, Asia, Europe, and the USA. His client portfolio spans various industries: luxury, fashion, food, retail, and pharmaceutical. A Marshall Goldsmith’s 100 Coaches member since 2017, Philippe received the award for Leading Global Coach in 2019. He contributed to the book “Coach Me! Your Personal Board of Directors”, a compilation of insights from 50 world coaches offering their wisdom and practical leadership advice.*Lunch payment directly at venue.

Health, Longevity, and Body Composition — A Framework for Finding Your Bottlenecks and Fixing Them
2024-02-08 12:30 - 14:00 | The Oak Door Steakhouse, 6th Floor Grand Hyatt Tokyo, 6-10-3 Roppongi, Minato, Tokyo, 106-0032, Japan
CEO Insights in invaluable as a resource for executives on hiring, firing, motivating, warehousing, AI, cyber security and nearly anything else the CEO, country manager, or c-suite boss needs to be on top of to be successful. One area that we have not covered is something that keeps you in your job and on this earth. It’s your health and many times the last thing we think about. In the Feb CI meeting we will have a guest entrepreneur who has built his life and business around the health and fitness of the executive in Japan and around the world, Mr. Andy Morgan. There are four pillars of health:
Sleep, Stress management, Exercise, Nutrition
How well we control each of these dramatically impacts our health, physical capabilities, and longevity. But it’s hard to know what to focus on when the fitness industry profits from complicating things and the internet is swimming with misinformation. To live long and healthy CEOs need a framework for prioritizing things. And you need to know what to measure to tell when something needs to be changed.Otherwise, it’s impossible to stay motivated, and you’ll continue to feel this “cloud of overwhelm,” knowing that you need to do something but not knowing what.
This lunch meeting aims to help you come away with 1–3 action items in each area that will truly move the needle for you on your health, longevity, and body composition, no matter your starting point. Join us for this special meeting with a great area expert.
More on Andy Morgan
Andy is a bestselling author and online body transformation coach. His mission is to change the fitness industry for the better. In the past 12 years, Andy and his coaches have helped over 2,000 entrepreneurs and executives transform their bodies in ways they didn’t think possible. For the majority of his 20s, Andy fell for the scams of the fitness industry. He started blogging in English and Japanese to help people avoid the same path of frustration.
His English site, RippedBody.com, has 50,000 monthly readers. He’s written four books; two are international bestsellers, popular among coaches and serious gym goers. His Japanese site, AthleteBody.jp, is widely considered Japan’s most trusted fitness resource. They translated Starting Strength and translated and published The Muscle and Strength Pyramid Nutrition and Training books, which all became #1 bestsellers.

Riedel Wine Glass Experience (Food and Drink)
2024-02-15 18:00 - 20:00 | RIEDEL JAPAN Co., Ltd., Aoyama Twin Tower (East) 1-1-1 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 107-0062, Japan
At 6PM on Thursday, 15 Feb we will have the chance to participate in an unforgettable wine tasting experience hosted by Riedel Japan’s CEO.
We will discover the secrets of wine appreciation in a whole new way.We will be tasting the same wine in different glasses, and discover how the aroma and taste of the wine can change depending on the shape of the glass. This is a unique opportunity to explore the fascinating world of wine tasting and take your senses on a journey through various flavor nuances.
We will also get a chance to connect with CI members (as well as some guest CEOs), you will also enjoy some excellent food and drink at Riedel’s Aoyama showroom and new in-store bar.
Space is limited so sign up immediately if you plan to attend. Priority to CI members.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Date: Thursday,15 Feb 2024
Time: 18:00 to 20:00PM
Cost: ¥10,000 Payment At Showroom
Cancellation: After 5PM,9 Feb will be charged

Developing A High Performance Team In A Challenging Market
2024-03-14 12:30 - 14:30 | Roppongi Hills Club- Roppongi Hills Club- Italian Restaurant- La Cucina, 51 fl. Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 106-6151
As a CEO, your ongoing challenge is not just managing resources but maximizing human potential. How do we cultivate high-performance teams, engage effectively, ensure collaborative success across all business units, and reward their achievements? These are questions that every leader faces, especially in today‘s demanding market.
Join us this March at “CEO Insights” for an interactive session aimed at fostering a culture of performance within your company. We’re excited to welcome Ken Cogger of Nikko Asset Management and Raul Gumagay of HSBC, who will unveil strategies for leveraging HR challenges into strategic opportunities for your business. Learn what your HR should be doing to directly enhance team performance and ensure your company’s success.

More About- Mr. Gumagay

Mr. Gumagay is a strategic Human Resources professional with broad experience in the design, review, development, implementation, governance and management of the firm’s people and organization strategy and objective in alignment with the business strategies. Has held both local and regional HR management and leadership responsibility including staff recruitment, performance management, reward, HR systems, HR service delivery, learning, and talent development.
More About Mr. Cogger

Head of HR, International at Nikko Asset Management, boasts over 25 years in HR, has senior HR experience across Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. At Nikko AM, Ken has driven performance management and talent development, significantly enhancing engagement and performance. He’s been pivotal in the firm’s global transformation, contributing to its evolution from a domestic focus to an international presence with a diverse client base. A certified executive coach fluent in four languages, including Japanese, Ken also chairs the HR committee at the Tokyo American Club.

Sustaining Corporate Triumph Through Effective Communication Strategies
2024-04-11 12:30 - 14:00 | Roppongi Hills Club- Roppongi Hills Club- Italian Restaurant- La Cucina, 51 fl. Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 106-6151
In any organization communication breakdowns can silently undermine the powerful enterprises. In this engaging session we navigate the pivotal role of communication in establishing strong foundations for lasting prosperity.

Our focus will be on reinforcing communication within the organization across three layers;
1) Bridging the gap between top management and staff members,
2) Cultivating seamless and open communication across different departments; and
3) Optimizing communication flows between managers and their team members.

By examining real world examples, we will gain insight into how enhancing communication can help companies avoid pitfalls like Groupthink, Team Errors and Process Errors that can impede effectiveness. By participating in this session, you’ll be introduced proven techniques of Organizational Psychology to address these challenges effectively while reinforcing healthy and effective decision making throughout the hierarchy.

This session will involve an open, dynamic exchange of thoughts and ideas among participants, about tailoring communication strategies to your business structures and goals.

Join our collaborative learning journey to discover how robust internal communication lies at the core of any resilient, successful company!

Dr. Makiko Kuramoto, founder and Managing Director of FUMI Consulting, is an expert in Organizational, Cultural, and Developmental psychology. Recognized for her extensive publications, she integrates insights from these fields, along with her professional experience, to develop tailored solutions that empower individuals and organizations to thrive. FUMI Consulting stands out through its glowing client testimonials, enriching learning experiences, and customized solutions meticulously aligned with each client’s unique needs and goals. Dr. Kuramoto also serves as a lecturer at Keio University and Aoyama Gakuin University.

Tee Up for Our April 2024 Charity Golf Extravaganz
2024-04-19 08:30 | Tsutsujigaoka County Club, 1570 Itakurachō, Ashikaga, Tochigi 326-0102, Japan, Tsutsujigaoka County Club, 1570 Itakurachō, Ashikaga, Tochigi 326-0102, Japan, Japan
Time & Location

19 Apr 2024, 8:30 am GMT+9
Tsutsujigaoka County Club, 1570 Itakurachō, Ashikaga, Tochigi 326-0102, Japan

About the event

The Carbine Club of Tokyo is delighted to announce that it is holding its second Charity Golf Day on Friday, 19 April, 2024. Like the successful inaugural event, it will be at the prestigious Tsutsujigaoka Country Club in Tochigi Prefecture. This time, we are doubling the number of players to 88 (in 22 teams).

This fund raiser will again be for Unleash Potential, a nonprofit organization that supports thousands of disabled children around Japan.

A special game format means players of all skill levels can get involved*. You can form a four-player team or sign up solo.
* The Texas Scrambleformat is for teams of four players. In each team, all members all hit off. The team plays from the best shot to finish the hole. Each member has to contribute at least four tee shots. Also, a player can’t take more than two shots in a row, so experienced and novice golfers alike get a fair go.
A number of great prizes will be up for grabs from our sponsors. They include tickets to Okinawa with Jetstar, hotel stays, restaurant dinners, and premium wines. There will also be some great locker gifts.
The price is 25,000 yen per person for green fees, beverages, and food (including a post-game BBQ). Add another 6,000 yen (for 31,000 yen all up for the day) if you want to take one of the 2 buses. One from Shibuya and back the other from TAC/Hobgoblin and back.
We will send regular updates on the event to registered players.
See you at the course!
Click here and book your ticket

Spring Reception at Oris Watches Ginza
2024-04-25 18:30 - 20:30 | オリス銀座ブティック Oris Boutique Ginza, Tokyo, 4-3-14 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0061, Japan
Oris Big Crown Pro Pilot
Spring has sprung! It’s time to get out and enjoy Tokyo and others in the c-suite. In April, we’ll be celebrating Spring in central Tokyo at the showroom of Oris Watches in Tokyo’s Ginza shopping district. Oris is an independent watchmaker from Holstein Switzerland established in 1904. Oris has kindly offered to sponsor the food and drink for this event. You can see all their time pieces on the 1st floor, and enjoy networking with other business professionals on the 2rd floor reception area. The reception will begin at 630pm.
This event is limited to members of the CEO Insights Network, and Watchmen Investors Group.
We look forward to seeing you there!
*There is no charge for this event. However, you must be registered to attend.
**Special thanks to ORIS for sponsoring this event!

Prosperity By Design- Your Team Environment
2024-05-09 12:30 - 14:00 | Roppongi Hills Club- Roppongi Hills Club- Italian Restaurant- La Cucina, 51 fl. Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 106-6151
Office Work Area

The last few years, business models have been thrown on their heads. Post-Covid, the percentage of people‘working from home’ or remotely doubled and tripled overnight. Today, while some companies are rethinking how to return to the previous normal, many have adopted this and now are reworking their business models and culture in ways that insure this will be part of how we work, moving into the future. That brings things back to the office. Aside from management and specific roles, how we work together in an office environment inclusive of those joining in remotely, has significance on business results. Join us to discuss how the design of your office and its environment is one of the leading factors in determining engagement, job satisfaction and other factors that directly contribute to your bottom line. The design of your office can have a major impact on individual, team and over all company performance.
In the May CEO Insights meeting we will welcome seasoned architect Mr. Rick Skorick. Mr Skorick is not only designing offices for his client but has also done studies on how to build environments that make a team more productive. In the meeting we will talk about How your facilities affect productivity, engagement and the bottom line.

What motivates a team to be successful
What can you do given the dynamics of the market: one size definitely does not fit all.

Come join us for this interactive event that endeavors to leverage design of the workplace for the benefit of a company’s performance and ultimately their bottom line.
More On Mr. Skorick
Rick (Richard) Skorick is a licensed American architect located in Tokyo, and a member of the American Institute of Architects. From 1994 to 2011, he split his time between his private design studio called Studio Form, and a construction services provider. During that time, the focus on was the design and build of custom houses under that brand of Form+U. From 2011 to present, he has devoted his full time to Studio Form works, of which the majority are mostly commercial projects.

China, How The Politics May Affect Your Business
2024-06-13 12:30 - 14:00 | Roppongi Hills Club- Roppongi Hills Club- Italian Restaurant- La Cucina, 51 fl. Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 106-6151
The Future Of Asia
The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has been busy claiming land by making artificial islands on any rocks that are jutting above the ocean’s surface. This has created friction with Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam, and nearly anyone who shares a border with the China mainland. Businesses have been producing their goods in China for decades, sending billions of USD into the economy. With the Wuhan virus (COVID-10), avian flu, and Hong Kong political turmoil, we have seen the global supply line disrupted several times revealing the dependence of many nations on Communist China as a supplier to the world. How does that affect bosses in Asia Pacific running businesses? Will there be more disruptions? Is the West doing anything? Will the CCP attack Taiwan? Will we see another crisis like Wuhan that affects the world?

In the June CI network event, we will welcome someone who can answer these and many other fascinating questions about how decisions made in Beijing can affect commerce. Our guest, Col. Grant Newsham, a former reserve head of intelligence for Marine Forces Pacific, will deliver an account on how the CCP is advancing it’s agenda across APAC and the global market places.

More On Col. Grant Newsham (ret.)

Grant Newsham is a Senior Fellow with the Japan Forum for Strategic Studies focusing on Asia/Pacific defense, political and economic matters. Newsham is a retired U.S. Marine Colonel and was the first US Marine Liaison Officer to the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. He also served as reserve head of intelligence for Marine Forces Pacific, and was the U.S. Marine Attaché, US Embassy Tokyo on two occasions. He is also a former US diplomat.

Watchmen Investors Lunch Q2
2024-06-27 12:00 - 14:00 | Roppongi Hills Club- Roppongi Hills Club- Italian Restaurant- La Cucina, 51 fl. Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 106-6151
If you enjoy watches, then you probably are interested in precious metals. If you’re interested in precious metals, you’re probably interested in real estate. On June 27th, we will hold our quarterly gathering of “Watch Men”. This is a casual lunch that started with 3-4 watch men and has grown each time we have met.
Come take a break from that intensive work schedule and enjoy a meal with other investors interested in watches as well as the other investments. Show off your latest piece (whether it’s a G-Shock or a Patek Phillippe) and get the latest on the markets for investments in Japan and around the world.

Space is limited, so please be sure to sign up to confirm your seat at the table.

What Every CEO Should Be Doing (WECSBD)
2024-07-11 12:30 - 14:00 | Roppongi Hills Club- Roppongi Hills Club- Italian Restaurant- La Cucina, 51 fl. Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 106-6151
Leading a company is just as varying as the companies in their various industries. The approach to sales, staffing, performance, and office environments can vary drastically. However, despite the various business models and practices, there are still some fundamentals that cross industry boundaries whether you’re selling consulting or manufacturing widgets. To be successful, it’s important for the CEO to be spending time ‘on the floor’, in the office, with the management team, and especially with his or her customers.

In the July, CEO Insights lunch, you will have the opportunity to run with the champions in business. You will be discussing how to better keep your finger on the finances of the business by better understanding your financial metrics, annual revenue growth rate, annual gross margin, and the importance of operating cash. In addition, you will cover the soft areas such as people, marketing, leveraging the local bank, and other

The role of CEO is the golden ticket for many corporate leaders: the ultimate prize that fuels years, if not decades, of relentless dedication and hard work. But despite their preparations, most new CEOs are shocked by the visibility, complexity and responsibility that comes with the corner office.

Join us for this private interactive lunch with peer CEOs from leading firms in Japan and around the globe.

August CI Network Lunch
2024-08-08 12:30 - 14:00 | Roppongi Hills Club- Roppongi Hills Club- Italian Restaurant- La Cucina, 51 fl. Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 106-6151
TO BE DETERMINED

Kishida’s New Capitalism, Ueda’s BOJ, The Next Prime Minister & The Outlook For Japan Reforms
2024-09-12 12:30 - 14:00 | Roppongi Hills Club- Roppongi Hills Club- Italian Restaurant- La Cucina, 51 fl. Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 106-6151
Policy trends in Japan are at a turning point. Kishida’s New Capitalism ended up largely in unfunded promises for the environment, families, and national security. On the positive side, it resulted in a record high stock market, a boom in stock ownership, and significant corporate governance changes.
Ueda’s BOJ is in charge of normalizing policy after nearly two decades of money printing left the government dangerously dependent on cheap credit and the yen at developing country levels. The next prime minister will have little room for maneuver beyond finding the least painful ways to raise taxes and productivity.
What is in store for Japan? How will affect your business. We will discuss where companies can find opportunities in such a difficult environment.

About Our Speaker- Dr. Martin Schulz

Dr. Martin Schulz is Chief Economist at Fujitsu Ltd. in Tokyo.
Martin’s work focuses on the impact of digitalization, government policies and corporate strategies. His analyses are widely quoted in international media – with regular interviews at CNBC, Bloomberg, NHK World, etc. He supports government initiatives for sustainable transformation (SX) as an advisor to the Japanese Cabinet Office and international organizations. He teaches at the Mercator School of Management.
Before joining the Fujitsu Headquarter in 2020, Martin was a research fellow at Fujitsu Research Institute (FRI), analyzing and consulting on the economics of technology.
He was a visiting researcher at the Bank of Japan and University of Tokyo, Assistant Professor of Economic Policy and Monetary Integration at Free University Berlin in Germany, and guest professor at several universities in Europe and Japan.

2024 Sayonara Summer – BBQ @ The French Kitchen,Grand Hyatt Tokyo(SSBBQ)
2024-09-19 18:30 - 20:30 | The French Kitchen- Grand Hyatt, 6-10-3 Roppongi, 2nd Floor Grand Hyatt Tokyo, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 106-0032
Life is not just about knowing people, it’s about knowing good people. There’s no beating the quality of CEO Insights members and our guests around a table. As an executive, it can be lonely at the top and CI fills that void. As we close out and say “sayonara” to summer 2024, we want to give an extra opportunity for our CI groups to get to know each other. The evening of September 19th, we will break away from our regular luncheons and OTRs and have arranged a special event.
This evening of strictly food and networking gives members a chance to catch up with fellow CEOs after a relaxing summer break.
For the evening, real estate developer Pembroke welcomes us back for special outdoor barbecue reception at their luxurious The French Kitchen Grand Hyatt Tokyo.
Please sign up early as space is limited to the first 30 CEOs to sign up.
CEO Insights – Sayonara Summer Barbecue (SS BBQ)
When: Thursday, September 19th, 6:30pm – 8:30pm.
Where: Grand Hyatt Tokyo, The French Kitchen
Cost: 12,000 yen / person
RSVP: CI Support Team
*Payments can be made by card or cash at the venue. Due to booking with the catering, no cancellations after September 8th(Sunday).
Special thanks to Grand Hyatt Tokyo for Hosting this event.

An Asian Success Story- From Banker, Insurance Man, To Private Equity
2024-10-10 12:30 - 14:00 | Roppongi Hills Club- Roppongi Hills Club- Italian Restaurant- La Cucina, 51 fl. Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 106-6151
Building a business is a part of every executive’s career. It’s all about building our brand and company for our team. Most people enter an industry and stay in that area for the duration of their careers. In the October luncheon, we will welcome an executive who has built businesses in multiple areas. He started in banking working for an American bank, then decided he wanted to expand his horizons and get into insurance and asset management. With this great experience he was able to build his own business in investment and private equity.
Come and hear one man’s journey in Japan, Singapore, Australia and around the region.
More on Michael Short-
Mr. Short has lived and worked in Asia for over 35 years. For 24 years he held positions with Citibank, including Division Executive for Global Japanese Corporate Businesses, Asian Regional Marketing, Credit Risk Management, and Product Development. Assignments included Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, and the UK. In 1998, he was seconded to lead strategic investment projects for the Brunei Investment Agency.
In 1999, Mr. Short joined AXA as CEO and Country Head for their Japanese insurance businesses. There he oversaw the acquisition and integration of Nippon Dantai Insurance Co. and became CEO of a combined operation with 450 nationwide offices, 10,000 employees, and over 5 million customers. In 2005, Mr. Short joined W.J. Hopper & Co. Ltd., a boutique investment bank based in London that focuses on alternative investments, to develop private equity investments in Asia-Pacific. From 2009 to the present, he became a full time partner at Valparaiso Capital Partners.

Legal Grab Bag- The Latest Law Updates That Likely Affect Your Business
2024-11-14 12:30 - 14:00 | The Oak Door Steakhouse, 6th Floor Grand Hyatt Tokyo, 6-10-3 Roppongi, Minato, Tokyo, 106-0032, Japan
Every year, CEO Insights member bosses are treated to legal insights from some of Japan’s top lawyers. We like to hope that decisions by the ruling party, bureaucrats and other government related entities will not hamper or hurt our businesses so that we can focus on servicing our customers. The fact of the matter is regulatory changes can have a major impact on our businesses as well as our bottom line. It is an open interactive discussion as always but will cover some of the upcoming changes in the new year.

Unfair Trade Practice pushes – new government rules for price negotiations with suppliers
Changes in M&A tax incentives and other requirements in the Tokyo Stock Exchange
New Developments in family law

We anticipate our first area to be incredible interest due to the entry of government influence in pricing. Apparently designed to create inflation to motivate smaller businesses to raise salaries for their employees. They say what you don’t know can’t hurt you, but when it comes to government the CEO must be aware of changes on the horizon. We look forward to seeing you at the November lunch. Please note we are expecting a number of guests
More about Sam Inohara Esq.
Sam specializes in advising and supporting Japanese and non-Japanese parties engaging in commercial transactions, especially mergers and acquisitions (M&A). His practice focuses on cross-border corporate acquisitions, investments, and joint ventures, working comfortably on a range of transactions, from small to large. He also serves as external general counsel for corporate clients, with a focus on startups and SMEs.
Sam is an expert in the technology sector, handling matters related to electronics and machinery, digital transformation, and energy transition. He serves clients in both Japanese and English, having lived and worked in Japan for nearly 25 years.
More about Takuo Misaki Esq.
Takuo is a Japanese licensed attorney who handles a wide variety of litigation and disputes, and has extensive experience representing foreign clients who are involved in disputes in Japan. He also regularly represents both employers and employers in labor disputes and his experience in the area of labor law also extends to the drafting and revising of rules of employment, conducting investigations in incidents of employment misconduct and representing employers during collective bargaining. He has recently been increasingly involved in regulatory matters.

Executive Committee Lunch- 6 Dec 1230pm
2024-12-06 12:30 - 14:00 | Roppongi Hills Club- Roppongi Hills Club- Restaurant 51, 51 fl. Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, , 106-6151 , Japan
This lunch is for the executive committee of CEO Insights. We will be meeting to prepare for 2025.
We want to make sure we have reset the areas, we are planning to cover areas for the new year such as-
1.The state of the network – Who we are, where we are going, and how we will do things in the new year (relevance is the key word)
2.Topics, speakers, and events that we would like to explore 2025. What our network of companies want to do to benefit our teams and the community
3.New members- who we would like add to our network
If you would like to attend this event, the requirement is to be a regular CI member in good standing with the group.

2024 - Year End Wrap Up - Better Boss , Better Business
2024-12-12 12:30 - 14:00 | The Oak Door Steakhouse, 6th Floor Grand Hyatt Tokyo, 6-10-3 Roppongi, Minato, Tokyo, 106-0032, Japan
As yet another year closes, many executive offices are reviewing what worked and what didn’t, what sold and what didn’t, what blew up and what overflowed. In addition to national responsibility, many of our member CEOs have other countries in Asia as well as Australia/New Zealand reporting to them. Growth is about reflecting on management mistakes as well as building management successes.
The December CEO Insights meetings is one of the most popular and well attended meetings as executives get ready for the Christmas holidays and year’s end. This will be likely be your last chance to rub elbows with Asia’s top Tokyo-based CEOs and leadership.

Your Best Year Yet- Strong CEO
2025-01-09 12:30 - 14:00 | Roppongi Hills Club- Roppongi Hills Club- Italian Restaurant- La Cucina, 51 fl. Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 106-6151
Thousands of college graduates proclaim they want to be CEOs at graduation. Running a business is not for the faint of heart and in the end very few people end up being the top dog in any business. Being a CEO is not just about a proclamation you made in your youth. It’s about hard work, commitment and belief in what you are doing. A strong CEO continues in those three Most great leaders have surrounded themselves with get managers and scaled up their businesses. Everyone realizes that there are very few Einstein’s in business who know something about everything.
In today’s dynamic and fast-paced business environments, the role of a CEO stands as one of the most challenging and influential leadership positions. As the captain of the ship, the CEO is responsible for steering the company towards success while navigating the turbulent waters of the competitive landscape.
To thrive in this role, a CEO must possess a unique set of qualities that distinguish them from the rest. In the January kick off of CEO Insights events, we will be discussing how to nurture the 20 essential qualities of a strong CEO.

Developing A High Performance Team In A Challenging Market
2025-02-13 12:30 - 14:00 | Roppongi Hills Club- Roppongi Hills Club- Italian Restaurant- La Cucina, 51 fl. Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 106-6151
As a CEO, your ongoing challenge is not just managing resources but maximizing human potential. How do we cultivate high-performance teams, engage effectively, ensure collaborative success across all business units, and reward their achievements? These are questions that every leader faces, especially in today‘s demanding market. This event is really PART 2 of our original event last year. You asked for it, and you have got another chance to get insights Developing A High Performance Team in the Japan market (and maybe even beyond).

Join us this February at “CEO Insights” for an interactive session aimed at fostering a culture of performance within your company. We’re excited to welcome Mr. Ken Cogger of Nikko Asset Management , who will unveil strategies for leveraging HR challenges into strategic opportunities for your business. Learn what your HR should be doing to directly enhance team performance and ensure your company’s success.

More About Mr. Cogger

Head of HR, International at Nikko Asset Management, boasts over 25 years in HR, has senior HR experience across Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. At Nikko AM, Ken has driven performance management and talent development, significantly enhancing engagement and performance. He’s been pivotal in the firm’s global transformation, contributing to its evolution from a domestic focus to an international presence with a diverse client base. A certified executive coach fluent in four languages, including Japanese, Ken also chairs the HR committee at the Tokyo American Club.

An Executive View On Real Estate And Investments In Japan
2025-03-13 12:30 - 14:00 | Roppongi Hills Club- Roppongi Hills Club- Italian Restaurant- La Cucina, 51 fl. Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 106-6151
An Executive View On Real Estate And Investments In Japan
The famous American cowboy of yesteryear is remembered by many for his no-nonsense comments on life and in many cases investing. Will Rogers will never be forgotten for many of his thoughts. He would frequently say something to the tune of, “Buy real estate, because they ain’t making any more of it’. In Japan, despite real estate being extremely limited prices have fluctuated dramatically from the bubble of the 1980s to Lehmanshock and the nuclear accidents of the 2000s. Undoubtedly, real estate is still an important area for CEOs to have a handle on. Real estate houses our teams, cradles our factories and production sites, and propels our sales with retail outlets around Japan. The CEO with real estate insights is a better business person.
In the March CEO Insights, in addition to our c-level experience in the boardroom we will have some real estate expertise in the room. In this month’s meeting, CEO Insights members will get
>Insights on the current state of the real estate market in offices, retail, and production centers
>Trends with the major landlords in the major cities nationally
>Tips and tricks on personal investments for the c-level
This meeting will be an invaluable chance for members to get inspiration on what you are (or should be) doing with your valuable resources.
About Our Subject Expert-
Gus is responsible for representing corporate tenants in Japan. Based in Tokyo, since moving to Japan in 2006, his responsibilities include formulating and implementing corporate real estate strategies, negotiating and closing real estate transactions, and aligning clients’ business needs with real estate transactions.
Gus has extensive experience in the real estate industry. Before joining Cushman & Wakefield, he served as a member of the Tenant Representation teams at JLL and CBRE. Prior to moving to Japan, Gus worked for a boutique real estate consultancy in his hometown of London, UK.

Bringing And Building A Brand In Japan- From Production To Retailing
2025-04-10 12:30 - 14:00 | The Oak Door Steakhouse, 6th Floor Grand Hyatt Tokyo, 6-10-3 Roppongi, Minato, Tokyo, 106-0032, Japan
Many brands have come to Japan and failed because they did not “localize” for the Japanese Market. Two companies that come to the forefront are probably Tesco and Carrefour in the retail sectors. However, there are many other examples of companies that have come, failed, and folded their Japan operations. Clearly, companies must understand their target market. Food, manufacturing, retailing, telemarketing, healthcare, tech and many opportunities exist in Japan but require market knowledge and business prowess in order to be successful.
Ernest Higa is a serial entrepreneur who has built and run businesses from lumber, medical devices, pizza and burgers and has adapted each business successfully for the Japanese Market. Although he is an American of Japanese heritage, his understanding of the Japanese Market has allowed him to “localize” US products and concepts for the Japanese Market in various diverse industries.
In the April meeting, CEO Insights members will welcome Mr. Ernest Higa, CEO of Higa Industries. Mr. Higa will share his insights on building his businesses in Japan. After initial sharing, the meeting will be an open discussion talking about the great decisions an executive can make and where to avoid the pot holes in HR, marketing, and cash flow of a successful business.

Discovering The Metaverse, The Business And How It May Affect Your Business
2025-05-15 12:30 - 14:00 | Roppongi Hills Club- Roppongi Hills Club- Italian Restaurant- La Cucina, 51 fl. Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 106-6151
The Evolution of Human Connections: Unlocking the Future of Technology
As we navigate the complexities of our increasingly interconnected world, it’s essential to reflect on how far we’ve come. From the early days of metal-based currency to the rise of paper bills and digital transactions, commerce has undergone a significant transformation. The internet has revolutionized the way we shop, interact, and conduct business.
However, this evolution is not just about technology; it’s about the profound impact it has on human connections. As we move forward, it’s crucial to consider how emerging technologies like AI, VR/AR, and the metaverse will shape our relationships, daily lives, and businesses.
In this interactive discussion, I invite you to join me on an exploration of the future of technology and its potential to transform our world. We’ll delve into the exciting possibilities that smart wearables and AI will bring to our daily lives, as well as the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for businesses.
Key Discussion Topics:
・The Evolution of Human Connections: How technology is changing the way we interact with each other and the world around us.
・Unlocking the Potential of Emerging Technologies: Exploring the latest advancements in AI, VR/AR, and the metaverse, and their potential applications in various industries.
・Smart Wearables and AI: Enhancing Daily Life: Discovering how these technologies can improve our daily experiences and create new opportunities for innovation.
・Businesses in the Metaverse: Examining the implications of emerging technologies on businesses and the importance of adaptability in a rapidly changing landscape.
Join the Conversation:
This is not just a presentation; it’s an invitation to engage in an open and interactive discussion about the future of technology and its impact on humanity. I encourage you to ask questions, share your thoughts, and participate in a dynamic AMA session. Together, let’s explore the possibilities and challenges that lie ahead and shape the future of human connections.
About the Speaker:
In the May session, we will be welcoming Mr. Guilhem Rogez, Director, APAC Retail Sales and Channel Marketing | Meta Reality Labs. Guilhem is well experienced in consumer products and services field (sports and tech) and within APAC landscape with over 20 years in multiple industries and leading brands. In this very interactive discussion, we will share thoughts and discuss over some of the following topics which can cover :
・The evolution of AI, VR/AR and the Metaverse
・Some key technology trends over the next 5-10 years
・The work culture at a company like Meta and what keeps the organization innovative

Tourism In Japan- Will It Ever Cool Down?
2025-07-10 00:30 - 14:00 | Roppongi Hills Club- Roppongi Hills Club- Italian Restaurant- La Cucina, 51 fl. Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 106-6151
For any CEO in Japan for more than a few years, the dramatic increase in tourists is undeniable. Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto are the destinations of people from Europe, China, America, and a myriad of other countries around the world that we never saw visit Japan in the past. In 2024, Japan saw nearly 37 million tourists. In March of 2025, we saw nearly 4M visitors. Will this hot tourist destination ever cool down?
In our July CEO Insights meeting we will welcome co-founder and CEO of Section L Hospitality Group, Mr. Howard Ho. Section L is a hotel management company focused on apartment hotels and serviced apartments, now operating 11 locations around Japan. Mr. Ho is a Taiwan native, educated in the US and now running a growing hospitality business in Japan. In this meeting, we will discuss

Japan’s booming tourism business – Where’s it going?
What are some operational challenges (talent acquisition, customer acquisition, etc) along the way?
With high construction costs and asset prices, how are operators and investors navigating the current investment climate?

Tourism may not seem to affect CI network companies directly, when in fact there are both direct and indirect connections to our customers. There are other affects, not just buying our consumer goods, buying our services, or even driving up the prices of real estate.
About the Speaker:
Howard is co-founder & CEO of Section L Hospitality Group, a Tokyo-based hotel management company. Founded in 2020, Section L operates a portfolio of 11 apartment hotels and serviced residences, primarily targeting inbound travellers. The company built its track record through converting multifamily buildings and repositioning existing hotels to achieve value-add returns. In 2024, Section L assisted its real estate partners through multiple successful exits while retaining management rights.
Prior to Section L, Howard worked for Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts as an asset manager and founding team member of JEN by Shangri-La. His other experiences include Four Seasons Hotels, Horwath HTL, and founding a short-term rentals platform in Japan.
Howard graduated from Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration. He serves on ULI Japan’s Executive Committee and is a member of YPO.

Navigating Growth and Innovation in a Dynamic Market
2025-08-21 12:30 - 14:00 | The Oak Door Steakhouse, 6th Floor Grand Hyatt Tokyo, 6-10-3 Roppongi, Minato, Tokyo, 106-0032, Japan
Join us for an engaging and candid lunch designed exclusively for CEOs and C-suite leaders. As always, the meeting will be conducted under Chatham House Rules to ensure open sharing of insights and strategies. The session is hosted in English and will provide a confidential space to explore pressing business challenges, strategic priorities, and leadership approaches in today’s fast-evolving environment.
Agenda & Discussion Topics

Balancing Innovation with Operational Excellence

In an era of rapid technological change, how can CEOs invest in innovation—like AI, automation, or new digital services—without compromising the efficiency and reliability of core operations?
We’ll discuss frameworks for safely piloting new ideas and scaling those that deliver value.

Talent Strategy in a Competitive Landscape

With intensifying competition for top-tier talent—especially in digital, sales, and finance roles—how can organizations attract, retain, and develop leadership capacity internally?
Ideas will include agile upskilling, flexible workplace policies, and integrating diverse perspectives into decision-making.

Shaping a Resilient and Responsible Growth Path

As external pressures mount (geopolitical risks, regulatory shifts, supply chain volatility), how do CEOs balance agility with long-term stability?
We’ll explore risk assessment best practices, data-driven decision-making, and crisis preparedness as core elements of sustainable organizational strategy.

Can AI Help The CEO Build A Stronger Business Team?
2025-09-11 12:30 - 14:00 | Roppongi Hills Club- Roppongi Hills Club- Italian Restaurant- La Cucina, 51 fl. Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 106-6151
In CEO Insights, a common topic over the years has been human resources. People are the lifeblood of any business. A few good people, can make the difference between failure and overwhelming success. In 2025, many companies are trying to sell us artificial intelligence (AI). We hear in meetings, at events, and even as we travel how AI is changing businesses. With many big tech companies cutting staff due to AI, you can see examples of the connection between HR and AI. But is AI really there for an executive to streamline the business?
In the September CI network luncheon, we will welcome Mr. Eric Wei. Mr. Wei has been dealing with AI in big tech companies for 16years. This month we will reveal to CEOs how to us make the AI buzz word into a results achieving tool in your business.
・How Amazon raised the bar in hiring by successfully integrating AI into their businesses
・How to grow your business by getting local teams to work globally towards corporate goals
・Effectively Using AI before you hire
Eric Wei- Founder and CEO of Dimes Co., Ltd.
Born and raised in Taiwan, I specialized in systems engineering and supply chain management. My career includes leadership roles at global companies like Amazon, Google, DiDi Mobility Japan, and foodpanda Japan. In 2021, he founded Dimes.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericweichiahung

2025 Sayonara Summer BBQ @ ARK HILLS SOUTH TOWER
2025-09-25 18:00 - 20:30 | ARK HILLS SOUTH TOWER ROOFTOP LOUNGE, 1-4-5 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo Ark Hills South Tower Rooftop Sky Park, Tokyo, 106-0032, Japan
Life is not just about knowing people, it’s about knowing good people. There’s no beating the quality of CEO Insights members and our guests around a table. As an executive, it can be lonely at the top and CI fills that void. As we close out and say “sayonara” to summer 2025, we want to give an extra opportunity for our CI groups to get to know each other. The evening of September 25th, we will break away from our regular luncheons and have arranged a special event.
This evening of strictly food and networking gives members a chance to catch up with fellow CEOs after a relaxing summer break.
Please sign up early as space is limited to the first 20 CEOs to sign up.
CEO Insights – Sayonara Summer Barbecue (SS BBQ)
When: Thursday, September 25th, 6:00pm – 8:30pm.
Where: ARK HILLS SOUTH TOWER ROOFTOP LOUNGE
Cost: 10,800 yen / person
RSVP: CI Support Team
※Payments can be made by card only at the venue.Due to catering arrangements, cancellations will not be accepted after Monday, September 22nd
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. team@ceoinsights.org.

Everything You Need To Know (EYNTK) About Financial Planning, Wealth Management, Portfolio Investing, Japanese Property, Insurance and Estate Planning
2025-10-09 12:30 - 14:00 | Roppongi Hills Club- Roppongi Hills Club- Italian Restaurant- La Cucina, 51 fl. Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 106-6151
For several years, the members of the CI network have welcomed guest experts on investing, cyber currencies, and taxation. CEOs want to know the in and outs of using their resources wisely, realizing tax benefits, and planning for later years in our careers. It has been difficult to find someone who can talk about everything to date. In 2025, things changed with the addition of new members with expertise in these areas.
In October, our own Lloyd Danon, founder of Argentum Wealth Management, will be sharing insights that are typcially limited to their clients and high net worth individuals. Lloyd has worked as a financial advisor in Japan for close to 30 years and covers everything from personal investing, Japanese real estate, insurance, estate planning and more. In this special session designed for both foreign and local c-levels we will cover-
・Financial Planning and Wealth Management Needs for Expats in Japan
・What you can do to make your money work for you
・Help to define your future financial goals and what you need to do to reach them, such as retirement, kids education a move abroad and more ….
Do not miss this opportunity to build your future. It has been more than 5 years in the making, but this event will prove to have been very worth the wait.
More on Lloyd Danon
Founder and Managing Director of Argentum Wealth Management, Japan’s premier financial planning, and wealth management firm.
You can find his LinkedIn page here.
Lloyd has 30 years of experience working within the financial services industry providing clients with personal financial advice. Based in Tokyo Argentum helps people who want to learn more about what investment opportunities are available to them and how they can better manage their existing assets.
