#Japan #Tokyo #Philips Japan #Misako Abe #Jasper Westerink

Leadership Transition at Philips Japan

Philips Japan, headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, has announced a significant leadership change. As of March 1, 2026, Misako Abe will succeed Jasper Westerink as the President and CEO of the company. This transition comes as a strategic move to strengthen the management structure in preparation for a new growth phase following Westerink's term completion in Japan.

Misako Abe’s Impressive Background

Currently leading the Sleep and Respiratory Care division at Philips Japan, Misako Abe has been a vital part of the organization, managing around 750 employees while taking responsibility for profits and losses. With 26 years of experience in the healthcare industry, nine years in investment banking, and four years in the consumer goods sector, Abe's diverse background is marked by extensive expertise in sales, marketing, strategy, and finance, reflecting a well-rounded understanding of business operations. Her leadership is characterized by a commitment to driving transformation and a keen ability to foster business growth.

Contributions Under Jasper Westerink's Leadership

Under Westerink's leadership since February 2022, Philips Japan accelerated its activities significantly. Navigating through a rapidly changing market environment, the company focused on solidifying relationships with customers and partners, which in turn propelled its business growth and increased market presence. Employee engagement also saw continuous improvement, achieving record levels in internal surveys. These initiatives were aligned with the company's purpose of "Better Care for More People," underscoring the significance of customer-centric management.

A Smooth Transition Ahead

To ensure a seamless transition, both Abe and Westerink will collaborate for a set period, allowing for a thorough and effective management handover. This collaborative approach is expected to establish a stable foundation for Philips Japan’s ongoing growth.

Comment from Jasper Westerink

Reflecting on his tenure, Westerink expressed pride in his leadership role at Philips Japan and the relationships cultivated within the team and partner networks. He highlighted Abe's extensive experience within Philips, stating that her deep understanding of the company’s culture and commitment to healthcare positions her as a considerable asset. He is confident that under her leadership, Philips Japan will continue to thrive and achieve even greater heights.

Misako Abe's Vision for the Future

As Abe steps into her new role, she brings forth a fresh perspective aimed at fostering innovation and enhancing the company's footprint in the healthcare technology sector. With her extensive background, she is poised to navigate Philips Japan through the complexities of an evolving industry landscape.

About Philips Japan

Philips Japan, established in 1953 as the Japanese arm of Royal Philips, is a leading company in healthcare technology, committed to improving health and quality of life. Their key business areas include medical imaging, ultrasound diagnostics, image-guided therapy, patient monitoring systems, health informatics, as well as personal health products like electric shavers and toothbrushes. By addressing Japan’s aging population and healthcare challenges, Philips Japan aims to enhance the well-being of its customers. The company employs around 2,000 individuals across 70 locations nationwide.

About Royal Philips

Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) is a leading health technology company dedicated to improving people's health and well-being through innovative solutions. Philips emphasizes a user-centric design philosophy, leveraging advanced technology to deliver both personal health solutions to consumers and professional health solutions to healthcare providers. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips leads globally in several healthcare fields, with projected revenues of €18 billion for 2024 and operations in over 100 countries employing approximately 69,700 people worldwide. For the latest news about Philips, visit their news center.