Find Executive Talent Overseas (Nikkei)

A recent Nikkei article features Tracy Gopal, CEO of Third Arrow Strategies, discussing how Japanese companies can enhance board diversity by tapping into Japanese and non-Japanese professionals living overseas. Since the introduction of Japan’s Corporate Governance Code in 2015, progress has been made in appointing external and female directors, yet there remains a significant opportunity to strengthen governance through geographic and cognitive diversity.

The Importance of Cognitive Diversity in Boards

In her feature, Tracy Gopal highlights the growing recognition of cognitive diversity—the different ways individuals think, analyze information, and make strategic decisions. Boards that embrace a broader range of experiences and viewpoints can:

• Improve decision-making in areas like M&A and risk oversight.

• Drive innovation by fostering diverse perspectives.

• Enhance governance standards through global insights.

Hitachi: A Model for Global Board Integration

The article cites Hitachi as an example of a company that has embraced international boardroom diversity. With virtual collaboration tools and AI-powered translation, Japanese companies can now easily appoint board directors from around the world, benefiting from global expertise.

A Call to Expand Japan’s Board Talent Pool

As highlighted in the Nikkei article, Tracy Gopal emphasizes the importance of moving beyond traditional board recruitment models. Japanese companies have access to a wealth of skilled professionals—both Japanese and non-Japanese—who can bring international perspectives and enhance governance effectiveness. Expanding the boardroom talent pool is a strategic necessity for companies aiming to compete on the global stage.

Read the full article on Nikkei.com.