Kenji Hirose Appointed as Advisor to CPA Excellent Partners

CPA Excellent Partners, a prominent infrastructure company based in Shinjuku, Tokyo, has officially announced the appointment of Kenji Hirose as its new advisor effective July 15, 2026. This strategic move is set to enhance the firm's governance and accelerate growth in new business sectors.

Background of the Appointment

In line with its vision to become a supportive infrastructure firm for accounting and finance professionals, CPA has developed a suite of services that includes the CPA Accounting Academy, an online learning platform called CPA Learning, and CPASS Career, a specialized recruitment agency for financial professionals. With the rapid evolution in the business landscape, especially in finance and digital transformation, the company aims to play a crucial role in nurturing talent and supporting lifelong careers.

Kenji Hirose brings a wealth of experience to this new role, having held significant positions at major financial institutions. After graduating from Keio University in 1985, Hirose joined Sanwa Bank (now part of Mitsubishi UFJ Bank) where he honed his skills in various financial capacities. His tenure at Rakuten Group as the Vice President and Group CFO has been particularly notable. He was instrumental in driving substantial fundraising efforts and crafting the financial strategies that fueled Rakuten's mobile business launch. As such, Hirose is well-equipped to offer high-level, practical insights into management and finance.

Kenji Hirose's Professional Journey

Hirose's professional journey is marked by key roles in leading financial entities. He played a pivotal part at Rakuten Group, overseeing critical phases of financial development and strategic innovation. As Group CFO from April 2018 to March 2026, he guided the mobile sector's growth through rigorous financial governance. Additionally, he currently serves as an Executive Fellow at Rakuten, continuing to influence the company's strategic direction.

In his acceptance comments, Hirose expressed profound appreciation for his appointment, emphasizing the importance of developing finance professionals in an era where globalization and digital transformation are accelerating. He articulated his commitment to supporting CPA’s mission of fostering accounting and finance expertise for the betterment of Japan's economic landscape.

Comments from Kensuke Kunimi, CEO of CPA Excellent Partners

Kensuke Kunimi, the CEO of CPA Excellent Partners, welcomed Hirose's appointment, highlighting his extensive experience in mega banks and at Rakuten Group. Kunimi noted that Hirose’s strategic financial insights are vital for helping businesses make informed decisions and achieve sustainable growth. He believes that Hirose's contributions will serve as an exemplary model for upcoming professionals navigating the changing landscape of finance.

Under its mission of expanding individuals' potential and enriching lives, CPA is committed to lifelong support for its clients, providing resources from education to career advancement. By integrating Kenji Hirose’s expertise, the firm aims to enhance its value offerings to society and contribute to the development of future leaders, thus playing a significant role in the sustainable growth of the Japanese economy.

About CPA Excellent Partners

Founded in September 2001, CPA Excellent Partners is dedicated to fostering accounting and finance expertise through various initiatives, including the CPA Accounting Academy, the free online learning platform CPA Learning, and CPASS Career, a recruitment agency tailored for finance professionals.

For more information about their offerings and mission, visit CPA Excellent Partners. The firm remains committed to bridging skills gaps and supporting the professional journeys of individuals in the finance sector.