Representative Director

Job description

The Representative Director leads and expands investment operations in Japan. Manages client relationships and ensures regulatory compliance in the Japanese market. Builds and leads the Japan office, defines and implements investment strategy. Creates a systematic deal origination engine and supports portfolio companies through board participation, follow‑on financing, and M&A. Manages stakeholders including HQ investment committee, LPs, regulators and key partners. Represents the firm publicly, builds the brand, and drives strategic growth initiatives

Requirements

• Native‑level fluency in Japanese (business Japanese)
• strong written and spoken English for HQ reporting and cross‑border coordination
• 10–15+ years experience in asset management, investment banking, corporate development or strategy with direct exposure to Japan transactions
• at least 5 years in a senior leadership role with P&L responsibility, pipeline targets and team management
• deep understanding of the IT/Technology sector
• proven ability to originate deals and network with founders, corporates, banks, advisors and local funds
• track record leading end‑to‑end deal execution from screening to closing
• familiarity with Japanese governance and decision‑making dynamics (ringi, consensus building, stakeholder mapping)
• strong knowledge of Japan’s legal and regulatory environment for investing (FIEA, GP/LP landscape, reporting norms, compliance culture)
• ability to build and lead a Tokyo office, hire, set culture and manage local vendors (legal, tax, accounting, DD providers)
• design investment strategy aligned with global mandate and Japanese reality
• develop systematic sourcing engine (banks, M&A boutiques, accountants, sector events, corporates, founders)
• provide portfolio support (board participation, KPI governance, follow‑on financing, add‑on M&A, exec hiring)
• stakeholder management with HQ committee, LPs/co‑investors, regulators and partners
• represent the firm in Japan, public presence and brand building
• strategic vision to identify market opportunities and execute growth initiatives
• strong network in Japan’s institutional investor, financial and tech sectors
• leadership skills to build, mentor and retain high‑performing teams
• client relationship and business development capabilities
• cross‑cultural communication skills
• risk management and compliance orientation
• resident of Japan, preferably Japanese national
• based in Tokyo with frequent domestic travel and periodic HQ travel.

Skills