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DN CEO Summit: How to End the War Between Japan Office and Head Office

  • The Andaz Tavern 港区, 東京都, 105-0001 Japan (map)

Addressing Head Office Disconnects

This exclusive CEO Summit delves into one of the most common frustrations faced by Japan-based executives: how to align with global head offices while navigating stark cultural and operational differences.

Two DN members have called this session to tackle real-life scenarios that highlight these challenges. One member has significantly increased revenue yet struggles with a lack of recognition and reinvestment from HQ, making it nearly impossible to hire top-tier talent. Another member faces the dilemma of reconciling Japan’s uncompromising quality standards with a cost-focused HQ philosophy. This has led to clashes over defect resolutions—where Japan insists on perfection and HQ prefers pragmatic efficiency. These conflicts leave executives caught between two worlds.


The Questions We’ll Explore

  • How can Japan-based CEOs convince HQ to value their contributions and invest in their success?

  • What strategies work in balancing Japan’s quality demands with global operational norms?

  • If hired locally, how can a CEO without strong HQ connections advocate effectively for Japan’s needs?

  • When all else fails, is it time to pivot careers, or can these issues be resolved for long-term success?


Why Attend?

This confidential, high-level discussion, following Chatham House rules, is an opportunity to share insights and solutions with 4–6 experienced DN members in a trusted setting. Each attendee will benefit from frank and actionable advice, drawing from diverse perspectives to tackle the unique challenges of managing Japan operations within global organizations.

These CEO Summits are small but impactful gatherings that focus on actionable strategies, offering you a chance to reflect, recalibrate, and leave with renewed confidence in addressing these challenges.

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December 17

Lessons from the Global PPE Crisis

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December 11

Master Class: Building Trust with Japanese Stakeholders