Executive Director, Head of Business Strategy Group

Headquartered in Tokyo, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) is a leading global financial institution and a core member of Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (SMBC Group). Built upon our rich Japanese heritage since 1876, we put our customers first and provide seamless access to, from and within the Asia Pacific region.   SMBC is one of the largest Japanese banks by assets and maintain strong credit ratings across our global integrated network.  We work closely as one SMBC Group to offer personal, corporate and investment banking services to meet the needs of our customers.

SMBC Asia Pacific Division is the regional business of Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, one of Japan's leading financial institutions and a core member of SMBC Group. Headquartered regionally in Singapore, SMBC connects customers to, from and within Asia Pacific through an integrated global network spanning 39 countries and territories, including 15 across the region. With deep regional capabilities, SMBC provides corporate, institutional, investment and other banking solutions while pursuing a One Asia strategy focused on quality growth, stronger regional integration, innovation and social value creation.

Responsibilities

• Strategy & Planning: Lead the formulation and refresh of APD strategy, mid-term business structure and the annual business plan, ensuring alignment with SMBC Group and Global Business Unit priorities and the APD MTMP. 
• Strategy-to-Execution: Convert strategic ideas into prioritised initiatives with clear owners, milestones, KPIs and governance cadence. 
• Branch & Subsidiary Oversight: Provide consultation, oversight and governance support to APAC branches and group companies on business development, strategy, operating model and organisational matters, ensuring consistency with regional objectives and Head Office direction.
• Head Office Strategic Partner : Act as the primary point of contact with Head Office departments for regional strategy, planning, organisational and investee-related matters
• Macro Research & Insights: Oversee regional macroeconomic and sector research to inform country risk views, business strategy, including timely ad hoc updates on geopolitical developments. 
• Business Promotion & Alliances: Drive inter-branch and inter-department collaboration on business promotion, group alliances and cross-regional initiatives for Japanese and non-Japanese corporate clients. 
• Equity Solutions & Investee Governance: Oversee governance, regulatory compliance, capital actions and strategic execution across a diverse portfolio of investee companies on behalf of Head Office. 
• People Leadership: Build, coach and develop a high-performing, engaged team; set clear objectives, manage performance and succession, and foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, continuous learning and innovation, including the adoption of AI and new ways of working. 
• Senior Stakeholder Engagement: Prepare and deliver briefings to APD senior management, Head Office executives and Boards, and represent SMBC in industry and regional forums as required. 

Requirements 

• At least 15 years of banking experience with a proven leadership track record in strategy, planning, business management or a comparable senior role within a financial institution, ideally with Asia Pacific, cross-border and Head Office / regional HQ exposure. 
• Degree in business, economics, finance or a related discipline; postgraduate qualifications are advantageous. 
• Demonstrated ability to translate strategy into execution, with strong analytical, financial and project management skills and a good understanding of bank profitability drivers, balance sheet and risk-return trade-offs. 

• Broad and deep network of senior relationships across the Bank, Group companies and relevant industry bodies; proven ability to influence and engage senior stakeholders. 

• Proven record of leading, motivating and developing multi-functional teams of diverse seniority, skills and cultures across locations, with the ability to coach talent and build succession depth. 
• Strong emotional intelligence and the ability to bridge diverse community of colleagues and management styles, building trust, psychological safety and a collaborative team culture. 
• Capable of setting clear direction, delegating effectively, managing performance fairly and objectively, and navigating change and transformation while sustaining team engagement and retention. 
• Role-model leadership with integrity, resilience and sound judgement under pressure and tight deadlines. 

• Good working knowledge of the local Banking Act and related regulations and guidelines), and familiarity with regulatory and supervisory expectations across Asia Pacific jurisdictions. 
• Ability to assess the regulatory, compliance and reputational implications of strategic, organisational and business decisions, and to work effectively with Legal, Compliance, Risk and Audit. 

• Ability to converse in Japanese and the understanding of Japanese corporate culture is desirable given the nature of day-to-day consultation with Head Office, including business-level spoken communication and comprehension of Japanese documents; fluent English is essential.