#Japan #Tokyo #Kepple Group #Ory Okolloh #Eric Marcks

Kepple Group's Strategic Board Enhancements

Kepple Group, headed by CEO Takahiro Kamisaki, has recently welcomed three new board members: Ory Okolloh and Kei Tanaka as external directors, and Eric Marcks as an external auditor. This new governance structure aims to bolster corporate governance while also laying down a solid foundation for global growth and long-term business expansion.

Enhancing Governance with Diverse Perspectives

At the core of Kepple Group's mission, "Create New Industries," lies a commitment to contribute significantly to the development of domestic and international startup ecosystems. The inclusion of a broader range of perspectives and expertise in its management is seen as a crucial step towards executing its medium- to long-term strategies for global growth.

Ory Okolloh's Expertise

Ory Okolloh, originally from Kenya, brings a wealth of knowledge as a partner at Verod-Kepple Africa Ventures. With an impressive background that includes serving as Managing Director for the Omidyar Network Africa and as Google’s head for African policy, Okolloh has been recognized multiple times for her influence, including being listed among TIME’s "100 Most Influential People" and named one of Forbes Africa’s "Most Influential Women."

Her expertise will be invaluable as Kepple embarks on its journey toward greater global outreach. Okolloh's extensive practical experience combined with her international insights create a rich resource that the company aims to leverage in its global strategies.

Ory Okolloh stated, "I am honored to join Kepple’s board and look forward to contributing to impactful investments that support the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Together with a committed team, we can work towards realizing Kepple’s mission while supporting the expansion into markets including Africa."

Kei Tanaka’s Investment Acumen

Kei Tanaka has a profound background in various sectors of investment, including private equity and real estate, cultivated over nearly 17 years at Goldman Sachs. In his tenure, he became a Managing Director and jointly led the investment sector in Japan. With his current role at a high-profile investment firm, Tanaka offers extensive knowledge and connections within Japan and Asia’s investment landscape, positioning Kepple for further domestic and international business advancements.

He expressed, "I resonate deeply with Kepple’s mission to bridge startups and investors, fostering an ecosystem that enhances liquidity. Through my experience and established networks, I aim to help support growth and expand the ecosystem."

Eric Marcks and Legal Expertise

Eric Marcks, the founding partner of southgate—a law firm focused on cross-border M&A and venture capital—will serve as the external auditor. With over 25 years of legal expertise in the U.S. and Japan, Marcks has been highly regarded in international legal media and is a known authority in corporate law, particularly in M&A.

His legal insights will play a pivotal role in strengthening Kepple's governance framework, ensuring that it remains robust and adaptable. Marcks shared, "It is a privilege to join the dynamic and innovative Kepple Group. The firm plays a vital role in Japan’s startup ecosystem for both investors and startups. I genuinely look forward to contributing to its growth."

Conclusion

CEO Takahiro Kamisaki expressed confidence in this new governance team, stating, "I am excited to welcome these three remarkable individuals with international insights and extensive experience to our board. Our focus on supporting entrepreneurs and investors has expanded locally, and now, we aim to strengthen our role as a bridge connecting startups with investors globally. With this new structure, we will enhance corporate governance while integrating diverse values and expertise into our decision-making processes to achieve sustainable growth."

Moving forward, Kepple Group is committed to evolving in the global market while enhancing its support for startups, aiming to build a stronger organization and create societal value.