Maximizing Overseas Business Value: Insights from an Executive Event at the British Embassy

On November 19, 2025, Odgers, headquartered in Chiyoda, Tokyo, organized an engaging executive event at the British Ambassador's residence in Japan, focusing on the theme of increasing the business value of overseas subsidiaries. The event, titled "Enhancing the Business Value of Overseas Subsidiaries: Building Proactive Local Management Teams and Governance from Japan Head Office," featured insights from prominent executives and addressed key challenges Japanese companies face in the global market.

Opening Remarks

The event began with a welcoming speech from Julia Longbottom, the British Ambassador to Japan, who expressed hopes for further development in Japan-UK relations and emphasized the importance of nurturing the next generation of leaders. Shortly after this opening, a panel comprising four esteemed executives took the stage to discuss their strategies for maximizing the value of overseas subsidiaries, drawing from their own experiences.

Event Overview

- Date Held: November 19, 2025
- Venue: British Ambassador's residence in Japan
- Participants: Approximately 60 Japanese business leaders, including CEOs.

Featured Speakers:

- Naoki Ono - Chairman of the Board, Mitsubishi Material Corporation
- Atsushi Katsuki - Director and Group CEO, Asahi Group Holdings
- Mariko Fujita - Executive Vice President and CFO, LIXIL Corporation
- Tomonori Wada - Executive Officer in charge of Domestic Affairs, Sumitomo Corporation

Moderator:

- Yurina Takiguchi - Economic Commentator and Business Journalist

(Order of names is alphabetical; titles omitted as of November 2025)

Background of the Event

In recent years, Japanese companies have seen robust growth in their overseas investments. During the first half of 2025, M&A transactions involving Japanese firms reached unprecedented levels, with a global market share surpassing 10% (source: Nikkei, July 9, 2025, "Japanese M&A: Record High in H1 2025, Global Market Share Over 10% since Bubble Era"). The ability to maximize the business value of overseas subsidiaries has become an urgent concern for Japanese companies operating globally.

This event provided a platform for leading executives from Japan's most dynamic global companies to engage in discussions on crucial strategic themes, including the strengthening of local management teams, succession planning, and governance practices.

Key Discussion Themes:

- Winning Global Competition: The importance of utilizing local talent and empowering them with decision-making authority.
- Cultural Governance: Using culture as a foundation for effective delegation of authority.
- Challenges of Expatriate Assignments: The pitfalls of sending employees abroad primarily for "learning purposes," which can be counterproductive.
- Transitioning Leadership after Acquisitions: The delay in changing management teams in Japanese firms post-acquisition, emphasizing the importance of a robust succession pool.
- Identifying Global Talent: Visualizing internal talent resources both domestically and internationally to strengthen competitive capabilities.

For further details and insights from the event, please visit Enhancing Overseas Subsidiary Value and Proactive Governance | Odgers.

Comments from the Host: Mako Kosuge (Odgers)

Mako Kosuge noted an uptick in inquiries from clients about management team transitions for overseas subsidiaries and the dispatch of expatriates from Japan. Odgers specializes in supporting solutions for these challenges through executive assessments, succession planning, and executive recruitment. With the domestic market reaching maturity, the drive towards seeking growth opportunities overseas is expected to continue. Thus, strengthening the governance and maximizing the business value of overseas entities has become increasingly critical for corporate management.

Past Events Collaborated with the British Embassy

Odgers has previously collaborated with the British Embassy to host executive-level events and programs that benefit Japanese enterprises. These include:

- 2019: "Japanese Companies Acquiring Overseas Firms"
- 2023: "Inclusion and Diversity in Japanese Companies"
- 2025: "MUSUBI Mentorship Program"

(An international mentoring initiative aimed at nurturing the next generation of female leaders, connecting both countries.)

Moving forward, Odgers remains committed to providing a platform for dialogue around Japanese corporate challenges and supporting the acquisition and development of management talent.