Executive Director, Head of Business Strategy Group

Responsibilities

• Strategy & Planning: Lead the formulation and refresh of APD strategy, mid-term business structure and the annual business plan, ensuring alignment with SMBC Group and Global Business Unit priorities and the APD MTMP.
• Strategy-to-Execution: Convert strategic ideas into prioritised initiatives with clear owners, milestones, KPIs and governance cadence.
• Branch & Subsidiary Oversight: Provide consultation, oversight and governance support to APAC branches and group companies on business development, strategy, operating model and organisational matters, ensuring consistency with regional objectives and Head Office direction.
• Head Office Strategic Partner : Act as the primary point of contact with Head Office departments for regional strategy, planning, organisational and investee-related matters
• Macro Research & Insights: Oversee regional macroeconomic and sector research to inform country risk views, business strategy, including timely ad hoc updates on geopolitical developments.
• Business Promotion & Alliances: Drive inter-branch and inter-department collaboration on business promotion, group alliances and cross-regional initiatives for Japanese and non-Japanese corporate clients.
• Equity Solutions & Investee Governance: Oversee governance, regulatory compliance, capital actions and strategic execution across a diverse portfolio of investee companies on behalf of Head Office.
• People Leadership: Build, coach and develop a high-performing, engaged team; set clear objectives, manage performance and succession, and foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, continuous learning and innovation, including the adoption of AI and new ways of working.
• Senior Stakeholder Engagement: Prepare and deliver briefings to APD senior management, Head Office executives and Boards, and represent SMBC in industry and regional forums as required.

Requirements

• At least 15 years of banking experience with a proven leadership track record in strategy, planning, business management or a comparable senior role within a financial institution, ideally with Asia Pacific, cross-border and Head Office / regional HQ exposure.
• Degree in business, economics, finance or a related discipline; postgraduate qualifications are advantageous.
• Demonstrated ability to translate strategy into execution, with strong analytical, financial and project management skills and a good understanding of bank profitability drivers, balance sheet and risk-return trade-offs.

• Broad and deep network of senior relationships across the Bank, Group companies and relevant industry bodies; proven ability to influence and engage senior stakeholders.

• Proven record of leading, motivating and developing multi-functional teams of diverse seniority, skills and cultures across locations, with the ability to coach talent and build succession depth.
• Strong emotional intelligence and the ability to bridge diverse community of colleagues and management styles, building trust, psychological safety and a collaborative team culture.
• Capable of setting clear direction, delegating effectively, managing performance fairly and objectively, and navigating change and transformation while sustaining team engagement and retention.
• Role-model leadership with integrity, resilience and sound judgement under pressure and tight deadlines.

• Good working knowledge of the local Banking Act and related regulations and guidelines), and familiarity with regulatory and supervisory expectations across Asia Pacific jurisdictions.
• Ability to assess the regulatory, compliance and reputational implications of strategic, organisational and business decisions, and to work effectively with Legal, Compliance, Risk and Audit.

• Ability to converse in Japanese and the understanding of Japanese corporate culture is desirable given the nature of day-to-day consultation with Head Office, including business-level spoken communication and comprehension of Japanese documents; fluent English is essential.