Yuko Kawai to Become First Woman Leading a Regional Bank in Japan

Yuko Kawai to Become First Woman Leading a Regional Bank in Japan

Yuko Kawai, currently the vice president of the Bank of Kochi, is set to become the first woman to lead a regional bank in Japan. The western Japan-based lender announced this promotion on Thursday, with Kawai taking over the top post following a shareholders' meeting in late June.

Kawai brings a wealth of experience to the role, having worked at both a foreign-owned bank and as head of the Bank of Japan's Kochi branch. A graduate of Kyoto University, she joined the Bank of Japan in 2003 and later served as the central bank's general manager for Europe and chief representative in London. Before joining the Bank of Kochi, she also worked at Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc.

As vice president of the Bank of Kochi since July 2023, Kawai played a key role in establishing a business alliance with Mercari Inc., a Japanese flea market app operator. At a press conference, she expressed her desire to leverage the bank's strong customer relationships to better address their needs.

Outgoing president Katsuhiko Umiji, who will become chairman, expressed confidence in Kawai's ability to draw on her expertise in the digital field to lead the bank into the future. The Bank of Kochi, established in 1930, currently operates 72 branches in Kochi Prefecture and beyond.