There is only one Japanese company that can use the power of technology to "WOW THE WORLD." That company is Recruit Holdings.

I joined the Company in April 2022 as the Corporate Executive Officer in charge of the Finance Division. The Finance Division, consists of the Treasury, Accounting, and Tax Departments, as well as a few project teams. The division is expected to achieve operational excellence suitable of a global tech company based in Japan, responsible for filling various types of financial and accounting reports, ensuring tax compliance, and managing funds at an extremely high level. We understand that our role is to support management by working closely with each department in the various businesses throughout the group to develop and implement integrated financial strategies.

Today, it is said that “Technology is eating the world.” While web services are being created across the globe, Recruit is one of the rare Japanese companies that has a “Global No.1 Tech Product.” One of our core values is to WOW THE WORLD“,” and it is truly wonderful to be in a position where we can surprise the world through the power of technology. The HR matching business that we are developing, which is centered on “Indeed,” is a service that will see increasing demand in countries with above a certain level of GDP per capita, and the market will expand over the long term as penetration improves in developed countries and as economies and populations grow in emerging countries. Furthermore, domestically in Japan, we have plans to expand SaaS solutions and Fintech. Japan is a country with a declining birthrate, an aging population, and a lack of productivity growth, and as a company with strong customer relationships, we are leveraging the power of technology to solve these issues. I am very bullish on the long-term growth prospects of Recruit Holdings.

On the other hand, in the current business environment of unprecedented uncertainty, known as VUCA, we are required to maintain growth investments while managing businesses and funds appropriately in cooperation with stakeholders. This is precisely where the skills of our Finance Division will be put to the test. We are vigilantly observing global trends, and we will support the growth of the Recruit Group on the financial side with our knowledge and network, based on long-term strategic thinking. In turn, we will enhance the enterprise value and stock value of the company. In order to achieve this, I would like to strive to evolve in both strategy and operations to become the strongest global finance team.

We will provide a “bird's eye, an insect's eye, and a fish's eye” to support high-level management.
I want my team to embody this high level support.

After working in advisory and fundraising roles for domestic and international clients at a US financial institution, I became involved in the management of a climate change tech startup as CFO and member of the board. I then decided that I wanted to contribute to a company on a scale that would “WOW THE WORLD,” which is whyI joined Recruit. I now find it is very rewarding. Recruit is a large company and has been in business for more than 60 years with a global team of tens of thousands of people. Yet, the company is still full of venture spirit. I understand that the company's decision to entrust me, someone who came from a financial institution and a startup background, with the leadership of the Finance Division was a message from management that “Like a global tech startup, we will continue to change and grow at a rapid pace, always looking for new opportunities.”

On the other hand, when I actually joined the Company, I felt that the organization was managed at a high level, on par with listed companies operating globally. Our company has promoted globalization through a series of aggressive overseas M&As. By boldly transferring authority to each SBU (Strategic Business Units) and adopting a policy of “autonomous operation,” the management teams of each subsidiary and SBU have a great deal of discretion, and the business continues to grow while maintaining its vitality. At the same time, the headquarters exercises appropriate control in term of corporate governance over each subsidiary to ensure that the key elements of management, such as consensus on strategic direction and capital management, are in place. Since our founding we have gained a great deal of experience in global group management and have achieved a good balance between offensive and defensive management.
I believe that to drive business it is important to have three types of “eyes”: a bird's eye view, an insect's eye view, and a fish's eye view. In other words, as the headquarters of a global company it is necessary to always have a “bird’s eye” to see the business environment from an elevated, big picture perspective, in order to manage the group so that it can achieve total optimization while supporting the independent management of each SBU. It is also important to have an “insect’s eye” so as not to neglect the understanding of events occurring in the field and the understanding of detailed rules; and a wide-angle “fish’s eye” to catch global and business trends. While accurately and in real time digest a vast amount of information both inside and outside the company, and we analyze it from various angles to deepen our understanding and reflect it in our strategies. We want to realize this at a high level through the power of our team. The standards required are high, and I believe that achieving them will not be easy. Nevertheless, I am confident that we will be able to achieve this goal if we can mobilize the strengths of the entire team through job assignments that make the best of the expertise of each individual.

“WOW THE WORLD” through the best teamwork, bringing together a diverse group of people with leadership and ownership skills.

I believe that the most important factors in building a high-performing team are the grit of each individual and the DE&I (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) of the team. I would like to encourage people with a variety of experiences, expertise, and values to join our company. For example, if you would like to become a manager in the future, you will be able to develop the “three types of eyes” in a well-balanced manner through experience gained through project assignments, overseas experience, and working in the various departments of the Finance Division. We would like to continue to actively promote international personnel exchanges and provide opportunities to meet the expectations of those seeking career advancement on the global stage. On the other hand, we also welcome those who wish to achieve a work-life balance in a sustainable manner while demonstrating their own expertise. Our current team includes many managers who are balancing work and childcare, as well as members who fully engage remotely to attain work/childcare balance while continuing to improve operations and achieve high-quality work.

No matter what type of work style you aspire to, we expect you to always demonstrate leadership and ownership in your respective roles. Rather than passively waiting for work to be given, we should proactively think about what we can do for the company and the team, and take on challenges while involving others. Only when everyone is engaged in their respective tasks with a high sense of ownership can the power of a diverse team be brought out. We invite you to join us and take on the challenge to “WOW THE WORLD” with the best teamwork. We look forward to meeting you and feeling your passion.