EY Japan’s Koichi Tsuji and Masami Katakura among top 5 global executives included in INvolve’s 2020 HERoes Women Role Model Lists celebrating leaders driving change for gender diversity

EY Japan is pleased to announce that EY Japan’s Chairman & CEO Koichi Tsuji was selected 3rd in “50 Advocates List” and EY ShinNihon’s Chairwoman & CEO Masami Katakura was named 4th in “100 Women Executives List” in the 2020 HERoes Woman Role Model Lists by INvolve* (headquartered in the U.K.).

The global HERoes Women Role Model Lists showcase leaders who are championing women in business and driving change for gender diversity in the workplace across the world. The “50 Advocates List” features 50 male senior leaders who are advocates for women in business and dedicated to creating a more diverse and inclusive business environment for women. The “100 Women Executives List” recognizes 100 female senior leaders who are leading by example and driving change to increase gender diversity in the workplace.

Koichi — 3rd on the 50 Advocates List for 2020 — is a Committee Member at the EY Global Diversity & Inclusiveness Steering Committee and is a strong advocate for increased flexible working. Since his taking up the leadership role at EY Japan in 2016, he has enhanced working flexibility and childcare programs for EY Japan members, resulting in introduction of unique programs such as intermittent leave and childcare concierge program and in better retention of women in the workplace. Thanks to Koichi’s efforts, now nearly all of about 8,000 EY Japan members, both men and women, are successfully working from home and using the firm’s flex-time system.  As Chairman& CEO of EY Japan since 2019, Koichi is also actively supporting a program called Entrepreneurial Winning Women to foster female entrepreneurs, and a program called Women Athletes Business Network to assist retired young female athletes transition into business.

Koichi shared his thoughts about being selected as one of the top three advocates in 2020 as follows:

“I’m so proud about being selected as a HERoes advocate.  More than ever, there is a need for diversity in leadership, and this includes strong female leaders, to help us overcome the complex global challenges we all face. As a champion for true gender equality, I will continue to sponsor emerging women leaders for long term value in business and society.  Also, I will continuously encourage my male peers to help women’s career advancement and promotion.”

Masami — 4th on the 100 Women Executives List for 2020 — became the first woman Chair and CEO to lead a Big 4 assurance firm in Japan, in 2019. As one of the founders and steering committee members of WindS (Women’s Interactive Network for Dreams and Success), a 2,000-women affinity network of EY Japan founded in 2008, and as a champion of female empowerment, Masami has been a key to driving change within her organization and beyond. In her capacity as an Executive Director at Executive Network of NPO Japan Women’s Innovative Network (J-Win), dedicated to promoting diversity in Japan, and as an Advisory Board Member for Catalyst Japan, Masami has encouraged women in Japan and has created numerous opportunities for cross-company collaboration. In 2018, Masami led EY’s first event in Tokyo to aid women entrepreneurs across Asia Pacific and contributed to further developing their networks with other entrepreneurs, stakeholders and the wider community.

Masami commented about being in the top four as follows:

“I’m honored to be selected as a HERoes Executive with an inspiring group of women leaders. I will continue to actively support a number of female talents, including women working in organizations and female entrepreneurs and athletes.  My vision is to pave the way for many more women leaders in Japan and across the globe to fulfil our purpose of building a better working world.

See the links below for details.
50 Advocates List:
heroes.involvepeople.org/50-advocate-executives-2020/
100 Women Executives List:
heroes.involvepeople.org/100-women-executives-2020/

*INvolve is a global network and consultancy championing diversity and inclusion in business. Through the delivery of events, programs, thought leadership and advisory solutions, INvolve helps firms drive cultural change and create inclusive workplaces where any individual can succeed.

About EY
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About EY ShinNihon
Ernst & Young ShinNihon LLC is an EY member firm in Japan. We provide audit and assurance services as well as advisory and other services. For more information, please visit www.shinnihon.or.jp.

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