Overview OVERVIEWFor 73 years, the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan (BCCJ) has been at the heart of UK-Japanbusiness.
to theefforts ofof Commercecountless companies
and individuals,theChamberdeveloped
Since
1948,Thanks
the British
Chamberin Japan (BCCJ)
has been at
theheart ofhas
UK-JapanbusiintoThanks
an exceptionallyactive,not-for-profit
membershiporganisation
comprising
200
ness.
to the effortsof thecompaniesprivate
and individuals
in thenetwork, thechamber almost
has developed
firms.
into
an exceptionally active, not-for-profit private membership organisation comprising of over 200 firms.
Thistheyear
marks
a new era
UK-Japan
Relations.
Withthe signingof an historicbilateral
Compre-are
Over
next
12 months,
wefor
will
charter into
exciting
territory
for UK-Japan
relations.
Preparations
EconomicPartnership(CEPA)
October,
relationship
with
Japan
in hensive
full swing
for the Osaka
Expo Agreement
2025, in which
the last
UK willfocusBritain’s
on global
collaboration
withthehasworld
enteredexciting
territory.
This
combined
with
the
UK’s
drive
to
join
the
Comprehensive
andProgresto save lives – human, wildlife and planet. Bigger picture, 2023 saw trade between the UK and Japan
sive2.9%
Trans-Pacificprovidesan opportunity
the BCCJ
to work
evergrow(or £777 Partnership
million) to £27.8
billion(exports plusfor
imports)
andandwe BCCJ
expectmembers
this number
to continue
morecloselywithregional
andglobalpartners.
its upward trend in the year ahead. The BCCJ is designing an inclusive programme with its membership

Pledge to Excom

What specific value will you provide to the BCCJ
membership and how will you proactively contributeto the wider UK-Japan relationship?
*Candidates are displayed in alphabetical order of first name

ALISON BEALE
Director, University of Oxford Japan Off ice

positioned at the forefront, to take advantage of new opportunities and continue tell the innovative andAs a 21ststories
century
deveopment hub, the Chamber has been facilitating access to new connecsuccessful
ofbusinessour members.
tions, clients and customers, and developing platforms for knowledge sharing, while delivering tradimember
includingevents,promotion,and consultancy.
Our nimble
Astional
a 21stcenturyservices
businessdevelopment
hub,
the BCCJbusinesshas beenconcierge
seeking new
and creative ways
to faBCCJ accessexecutive
team commits
to further
enhancing
our membershipproposition
with thethe develaim ofcilitate
to connections,clients,
customers
and opportunities
for value
its members.
Throughprovidingeven-greater
influence,
exposureandconnectivity
for
all
BCCJ
members
throughenhanced
opment of creative platforms for knowledge sharing and networking, the chamber continues to deliver
digital services.
traditional
member services, including events, promotion, business concierge and consultancy. All of the

A long-standing member of the Chamber, including seven years as
Vice-President, I am deeply committed to serving our members andfurthering the interests and reach of the Chamber. In the coming
year I would like to bring my long experience of the Chamber andcontribute in particular to initiatives around growing our membership, improving our programme of events, and engaging more networks for the benefit of members. I aim to work closely with others
to develop new opportunities to position the UK at the heart of thebusiness, cultural and educational relationship with Japan.

above will be achieved with the guidance and strategic direction from the 2024-2025 BCCJ Executive
All of the (Excom).
above will be achieved with strategic direction from the BCCJ Executive Committee (ExCommittee
com).

AMIR KHAN
Individual Member

What is the Excom?

WHAT
IS EXCOM?
The Excom consists of a minimum of twelve (12) and a maximum of fifteen (15) members. The role of

The BCCJ’s Excom consists of a minimum of twelve (12) and a maximum of fifteen (15) memExcom is primarily a strategic one. The Excom decides the purpose and the overall goals of the BCCJbers.
The role of Excom is primarily a strategic one; the elected candidates will decide theand sets a framework for their implementation and achievement. The key responsibilities of Excom are
purposeand the overall goals of the BCCJ and sets a framework for their implementation andto:achievement.
• Set suitable organisational aims and objectives• Set a budget which allows the BCCJ to fulfil its purposeThe
key responsibilities
are to:• Agreepolicies, targets ofandExcompriorities• •Setsuitableaims andofobjectives
Monitorandorganisational
review the performance
the BCCJ and the executive team
• Set a budget which allows the BCCJ to fulfil its purpose
• The
Agree
policies,and priorities
Excom
seekstargets
an appropriatebalance of members• Monitor
andreview
theof the BCCJ and the executive teamof the business communityperformancewith specific skills
and experiences that will benefit the

The
Excom
seeks
an appropriate
BCCJ
and its
membershipat large. balance of members of the business community with specificskills and experiences that will benefit the BCCJ and its membership at large. Excom members
serve
for a one-year(AprilMarch2025).
The Excom officially meets 11 times
Excom
members
serve for term
a 1 yearterm2024(April- to
March).
This canduringthe year,excludingthe month
Excom members are expected to attend thebe reviewed
annually.
The Excom
meetsof11August.
times duringmonthly
Excom
meetings
and
the
BCCJ
AnnualGeneralMeeting held in April, as well as otherthe year, excluding the month of August. Excom
activities
year tothe
hearfrom members and feed back any suggestions to the BCCJ
membersthroughout
are expectedthe
to attend
regularexecutive
team.
Excom meetings and our Annual
General Meeting held in April.

Please find in this booklet, 24 Excom candidate pledges.

2

As a former lawyer of mixed heritage and the son of a former UK
Commissioner for Racial Equality, senator and ambassador, DEI, advocacy and justice have always been fundamental passions throughout my life. Professionally, my company globally advocates for DEI
hiring for over 40 years. I believe in social contribution and have sat
previously on committees at the ACCJ, volunteered at my local animal shelter and have been a speaker at law schools and professional
associations. As such, I hope to bring personal and professional
experience to enhance DEI impact and advocacy initiatives throughthe BCCJ.

BENJAMIN CORDIERRGF Executive Search Japan, Senior Director
I have been attending BCCJ events as a member since 2012 andam eager to give back to the Chamber by joining the Excom. With
over 20 years’ experience and network in Japan, I will bring energy
and forward thinking to help set and achieve the Chamber’s aims
and objectives. As part of the Senior Leadership team at RGF Executive Search, I have developed a kaizen mindset supporting ourclients, candidates and the job market in Japan and I am committed
to bringing this ethos in support of the strategies and initiatives of
the Excom.

3What specific value will you provide to the BCCJ
membership and how will you proactively contribute to
the wider UK-Japan relationship?
DANIEL BOLGERManaging Director, FGS Global
As someone focused on strategic communications and having worked
for many years as a financial journalist in different parts of the world,
I hope to bring a fresh and very international point of view to BCCJ
discussions and decisions. More specifically, my firm should be able
to help the Chamber extend its media and brand presence in Japan. I
am also excited by the opportunity to work with UK corporates, large
and small, and learn about their strategies for succeeding in this market. Personally, I have had a long association with Japan, having first
visited and lived here – ahem – during the Showa era.

EDWARD WEEKS
President and CEO,Country Manager Japan, HSBC
Participation in the BCCJ Excom has formed a key part of myexperience in Japan. As Japan Country Manager for one of thelargest UK companies and one of the oldest banks in Japan, I’m passionate about supporting and promoting exchange between the twocountries. During my three years on Excom, I have striven to use
my experience, insights and position to strengthen the Chamber,bringing ideas and support, in addition to event content, leveraging mycolleagues and connections in Japan and overseas. I hope tocontinue to contribute as we explore new opportunities to serve ourmembers better.

HEATHER PROSSERManaging Director, Head of Sustainability,
Japan, Morrow Sodali, JapanAs a BCCJ Excom member, I aim to leverage my diverse backgroundand experiences to support the membership community’s needs andendeavours. I have personally benefited greatly from the BCCJ’s great
work and want to continue giving back. I want to proactively support the UK-Japan relationship by leveraging my network and insightsfrom my professional journey. Through my expertise in sustainability,
DE&I, and new business growth, I can actively contribute to fostering the kind of strategic business development the BCCJ community
appreciates. My dedication to bridging cultural gaps aligns with the
BCCJ’s mission, promising valuable contributions to its membership.

4

What specific value will you provide to the BCCJ
membership and how will you proactively contributeto the wider UK-Japan relationship?
HIDEO TOMITA
Senior Site Representative, Japan, LSEG
As a leading global financial markets infrastructure and data provider, London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) builds partnerships
across financial and related industries that facilitate innovation,build trust and improve efficiency. As the Representative Director inJapan, I hope to apply LSEG’s values of Partnership, Integrity, Excellence and Change to further support the BCCJ. As a FinCity Tokyo
board member, I believe I am in a good position to drive UK-Japan
partnerships further. At a time where Japan’s Nikkei 225 index is at
an all-time high, I hope to do my best to also bring the UK-Japan
relationship to a record high.

JAMES NEPAULSINGH
Individual Member
I’m Senior Legal Counsel at a famous Japanese trading house, lecturer,
and artist deeply rooted in Japan for 15+ years. I enhance Japan-UK
business ties across corporate, legal, educational, and artistic spheres.
Plans if re-elected include:(i) tailoring events for legal/financial services members;(ii) empowering rural communities through education, art/design; and(iii) hearing needs and expectations of those seeking more from the BCCJ.
Excom achievements to date:• established relationship between E&W Law Society President and
BCCJ, led event with President and Embassy;• Anglo-Japan Culture Club inaugural speaker; and• drove membership diversity across all levels, exemplified at BBA.

JONATHAN INGRAM
President and Representative Director, Kyndryl
The team and the company I lead is one of the largest IT service
providers in Japan, providing the essential lT infrastructure for manyof the largest Japanese companies. Through my role, I understandthe perspectives of senior Japanese business leaders and government officials on the role of lT and the national imperatives toimprove digital capabilities, adopt Al responsibly and to improvecyber resilience. Working for a US multinational, I also have insighton how US companies approach the Japanese market. I hope thatthe BCCJ ExCom would find such insights and perspectives valuablein advancing UK trade and interests in Japan.

5What specific value will you provide to the BCCJ
membership and how will you proactively contribute to
the wider UK-Japan relationship?

What specific value will you provide to the BCCJ
membership and how will you proactively contribute to
the wider UK-Japan relationship?

JUNKO KUBOKAWA
Representative Director & President,
Croda Japan K.K.

KENTARO KISO
President and Representative Director,
Barclays Securities Japan

Being brought up in a traditional Japanese family and enriched byinternational exposure, one of my wishes professionally and personally is to contribute as a bridge to the UK-Japan business society through BCCJ activities. I joined the BCCJ’s ExCom in 2020,
working actively in the DEI task force. This experience led me torecognise the unconscious biases within both myself and our business community, fostering a deep appreciation for diversity, equity
awareness and real inclusion efforts. I am committed to effecting
positive change within the Chamber, and making meaningful strides
in promoting DEI in Japan alongside fellow members.

Having accumulated more than thirty years of professional experience across Japan, the United States, and the United Kingdom(including sixteen years in London and twenty years at Barclays),along with additional experience in Singapore within a global
financial institution, I am confident in my ability to bring forth a
distinctive blend of insight and connectivity to enhance UK-Japanbusiness relations. Specifically, I am well-positioned to contributeto leadership and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives
within multicultural environments.

KEITH THOMAS
Associate Partner, EY Japan
Japan is my home now and I am passionate about contributing to the UK-Japan relationship. I have been a member of andattended various BCCJ events for the last 14 years and it has beena privilege to serve on the BCCJ Excom as treasurer this last year.
If elected, my mission is to help drive forward the value you gainfrom your membership. I look forward to meeting you at the various events, to support you making connections with people whomatter and listen, to understand how the BCCJ (and I) can help you
further.

MARK DYTHAM
Founding Partner, Klein Dytham architectureWith over three decades of leading Klein Dytham architecture inTokyo and designing iconic landmarks like Daikanyama T-SITE
and Ginza Place, my commitment to advancing UK-Japan businesscollaboration is resolute. I recognise the pivotal moment as Japan
ascends as a global destination, and I’m eager to share my expertise, knowledge, and extensive networks with the BCCJ. Our firm’s
specialisation in hospitality, retail, and cultural events aligns seamlessly with emerging opportunities for cross-border ventures.
Furthermore, the expansive reach of our PechaKucha presentation
format across 1300 cities globally and 48 in the UK offers an unparalleled platform for fostering new collaborations.

MATTHEW TAPPENDEN
Individual Member
KEN KATAYAMA
Individual Member
For over seven years I have been a BCCJ Individual Member for
four years on the BCCJ Executive Committee. I have strived to provide diverse input based on my personal experience working in the
UK as well as my professional background previously at Microsoft
and now at Toyota. I strongly believe in the BCCJ mission to “makeconnections with people who matter” and will continue to help our
members to do so.

6

Although only having been with the Chamber for a short time,
I have both thoroughly enjoyed and benefited from the numerous events and networking opportunities presented to members.
To that end, I would like to serve as a committee member byfurthering the breadth and reach of the chamber, as many Japanese,
expatriates and foreign residents remain unaware of the tremendous opportunities’ membership offers. Moreover, as current Chairof the Culture, Community and Entertainment Committee at theTokyo American Club, I’m well versed in committee processes andachieving equitable outcomes, bringing together individuals froma multitude of backgrounds.

7

What specific value will you provide to the BCCJ
membership and how will you proactively contribute to
the wider UK-Japan relationship?
NICK HEALDCountry Director, Turner & Townsend KK
Now in my 6th year in Japan, as my understanding of the uniquequalities of Japan deepens I have become increasingly interested in
the UK-Japan relationship. Turner & Townsend KK has seen great
success in fostering successful collaborative working between the
UK and Japan both culturally and operationally, with headcountquadrupling in the past 3 years. We have balanced our global values
with local nuances, bringing together an international team that deliver solutions that take the best of both worlds. I am keen to bringthis experience to the BCCJ to advise, develop and further improve
the wider UK-Japan relationship.

NICOLA VOTE
Individual Member
Having been an active BCCJ member for three years, I hope tofurther support the community by leveraging my 20+ years’ experience working in Japan for the Japanese government, NTT Docomo
and in the technology industry. Following 18 years at McAfee incybersecurity, global business development and leadership roles,
I have recently started my own consulting business. This gives me
the flexibility to dedicate more time to the BCCJ community, where
I wish to encourage diversity of ideas and foster opportunities forcollaboration among UK and Japanese businesses. Originally fromthe UK, I am fluent in Japanese.

NORA YAMADA
Assistant Head, Development, Partnerships
and Alumni at The British School in Tokyo
Having studied and worked in Japan for over 18 years - both inrural Fukushima and latterly in Tokyo; having raised a family here
and observed how organisations, companies and local government works, I think I have a confident yet nuanced knowledge ofJapan and Japanese business and cultural practices to bring to therole. In my current position as Assistant Headteacher at The British School in Tokyo, I am responsible for forming and sustaining
our corporate partnerships. This has given me insight into the kindof exposure companies seek through such partnerships and thepotential commercial value for them.

8

What specific value will you provide to the BCCJ
membership and how will you proactively contribute to
the wider UK-Japan relationship?
RICHARD LYLE (Presidential Candidate)
Deputy Managing Director &Head of Government Services, Intralink KK
My experience on Excom, and President for two years, has placedme well to continue spearheading the Chamber’s efforts to growand prosper. With the recent signing of the Hiroshima Accord andaccession to CPTPP, I would like to explore practical ways the membershiP can benefit from stronger trade ties between the UK andJapan. Moreover, l intend to use events like Expo to grow our networks and presence outside Tokyo and form new opportunities forour members in Kansai and beyond. The hard work continues andwith passion and enthusiasm I will diligently serve the membershipand our partners.

ROB PEER
President, BAE Systems
With over 22 years of international experience for BAE Systems
who has had a presence in Japan for over 40 years, I would bringa new Defence, Aerospace & Security perspective to the work the
BCCJ Executive Committee performs. The UK & Japan relationshipcontinues to grow in the defence and security environment with theHiroshima Accord continuing commitments and I believe we shouldseek to build on these relationships.

ROB WILLIAMS
Senior Investment Adviser, AP Advisers
I would like to bring my 25 years of business and personal experience in Japan to the BCCJ Executive Committee. In particular, I would like to leverage upon my many years of philanthropic
experience in Japan, to raise awareness of social issues and foster
greater relations between the UK and Japan in society as a whole,particularly supporting the BCCJ’s efforts in diversity, equity andinclusion, and in responsible business to create equal opportunities for all. In addition, my vast experience of event organisationand management both professionally and socially, could bringsupport to the BCCJ’s event programme.

9What specific value will you provide to the BCCJ
membership and how will you proactively contribute to
the wider UK-Japan relationship?
SIMON FARRELL
Individual Member
I would be greatly honoured to rejoin Excom and continue learningand sharing my experience and network to benefit the BCCJ’s vision, meetings, events, diversity, advocacy and connections. Sinceserving on the BCCJ Executive Committee in 2012-2017, including
as BBA leader for three years, I have volunteered on other boards aschair of the South African Chamber of Commerce in Japan and Tokyo
American Club’s TAC Talk speaker series, and currently as statutory
auditor of the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan, and executive
committee member of the William Adams Club, Animal Refuge
Kansai and Japan Market Expansion Competition.

BCCJ EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE - VOTINGOn April 4, all BCCJ Nominated Representatives will have received a unique, encrypted
electronic voting link by email. Election candidates are displayed in a randomised display
order, also unique to each voter. The electronic voting ballot will allow BCCJ NominatedRepresentatives to vote for up to 15 out of the 24 BCCJ Executive Committee candidates
for the 2024-2025 financial year.
All votes are submitted anonymously and cannot be accessed by BCCJ staff. If you would
like to learn more about the voting process, please contact the BCCJ at info@bccjapan.com

SVEN PALYS
Founder & Co-CEO, Yuzu Kyodai
A young entrepreneur, over ten years in Japan, I pledge to be energetic, creative and collegiate. My market research and branding
agency is entirely predicated on understanding what is happening
in Japan, and I would welcome sharing this knowledge productively and generously. This year I want to continue to foster dialogue
between the BCCK and the Japanese business community as wellto push for culture as part of the BCCJ remit through the AngloNippon Culture Club, I co-initiated last year. I hope to bring different people around the table to make it possible to learn fromeach other.

VIVIAN TOKAI
Individual Member

info@bccjapan.com | www.bccjapan.com

My experience and knowledge in public policy, which has been
accumulating for more than 2 decades in working at global companies, could help the BCCJ members to grasp the business environment in Japan. Also, I could contribute to the Chamber in enhancing its recognition and developing dialogues among stakeholders
in the business community, government and parliament throughmy broader network. The UK and Japan needs to cooperate invarious areas such as trade, defence and cybersecurity along with
US and Indo-Pacific nations. It would be great if I could energise
the initiative from the private sector.

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