Former Minister of Internal Affairs and Communication to lead Access Partnership’s client engagement in Japan.
June 8th, 2021 – Singapore – Access Partnership, the global public policy firm for the tech sector, today announced it has appointed Heizo Takenaka as its Senior Advisor for Japan. In his new role, Takenaka will support the world’s most innovative brands in navigating the Japanese market and help Japanese tech leaders export their technology solutions from cybersecurity solutions to handsets. The appointment of Professor Takenaka follows Access Partnership’s recent acquisition of Singapore-based research and advisory firm TRPC as it continues to expand its market presence in Asia.
Professor and former Minister Heizo Takenaka brings over three decades of experience within the private and public sector. Professor Takenaka most notably joined Prime Minister Koizumi’s Government in 2001, during which time, he became Minister for Economic and Fiscal Policy, and then the Minister for Financial Services. He also became the Minister for Privatisation of the Postal Services and the Minister for Internal Affairs and Communication.
“Takenaka-san’s executive experience and access will expedite Japan’s access to the world’s most transformative technologies and ensure that Japan Inc claims its place among policy leaders worldwide. And he is exactly the right person to advise us as we continue to identify opportunities to grow our business.” Gregory Francis, Managing Director, Access Partnership, commented. “His stature in Japanese policymaking is unquestioned, and means our team can drive more fair, lasting outcomes in Asia.”
Takenaka is a Professor Emeritus of Keio University, and serves on several advisory boards and committees including Senior Research Fellow, Japan Center for Economic Research (JCER); Director of Academyhills and Chairman of Pasona Group Inc.
Earlier in his career, Takenaka joined Japan Development Bank before starting his academic career as a visiting scholar at both Harvard University and University of Pennsylvania. Takenaka was named a member of the Economic Strategy Council (advisory board for economic policy to the Prime Minister) in 1998 and a member of the IT Strategy Council (advisory board on IT policy to the Prime Minister) in 2000.
About the appointment, Takenaka said, “Access Partnership brings technology policy expertise and deep knowledge on national regulatory landscapes, laws and policy trends. This is where the real opportunities lie for technology enterprises. I’m looking forward to working with such a highly motivated and experienced team.”
About Access Partnership
Access Partnership is the world’s leading public policy firm dedicated to opening markets for technology. We shape national, regional and international policies to ensure a fair, long-lasting environment for technology that drives growth. Our teams in six offices across the globe uniquely mix policy and technical expertise to drive outcomes for clients operating at the intersection of technology, data and connectivity.
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