Your trusted partner in executive search

Robert Half is Japan’s trusted executive search and recruitment firm, connecting organizations with senior leaders and C-suite talent who drive transformation and growth. Partner with our executive search experts

Or contact us at 03-4563-0701

Why partner with Robert Half?

Executive appointments shape the direction of every organisation, whether it’s building a Board, planning C-suite succession, or elevating director capability.

As one of Japan’s leading executive search firms, Robert Half partners with businesses to navigate these pivotal moments with precision and discretion.

Our focus is simple: to connect you with leaders who drive measurable results and long-term success.

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Uniquely advising on Board, CEO and leadership appointments for over 75 years

Transforming customer outcomes and performance by building exceptional leadership teams

+2,500 executives have found their next role in private equity, listed entities, private companies, partnerships, and government

A Fortune® Most Admired Company™ for 29 consecutive years, the only organisation in its industry to achieve this distinction

Our expertise in executive search recruitment in Japan

We partner with organisations across roles and industries to find the exceptional leadership talent you need.

Private equity

Retained search for private equity, family offices and venture capital investors to place C-suite leaders who drive value creation, navigate complex transactions, and build high-performance teams at every stage of the investment lifecycle.

CFO executive search

CFO and finance leadership search: strategic, board-ready CFOs, Finance Directors, Treasurers and FP&A leads. We identify finance leaders who combine technical rigour with commercial vision, so finance moves from control to value creation.

Digital & technology

Digital disruption demands leaders who can translate technology strategy into growth. We place CIOs, CTOs, CDOs and technology executives who bridge innovation and execution across high-growth and established businesses.

Industrial

Manufacturing, infrastructure, energy and logistics rely on leaders who balance operational discipline with strategic agility. We find executives for energy transition, automation and customer outcomes, assessed for HSE and ESG impact.

Find your next leader

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03-4563-0701

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Tokyo

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Meet the executive search team

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Based in Tokyo, Andrew Sipus is a Managing Director at Robert Half’s executive search division, where he leads retained searches for senior leadership and executive appointments across Asia. His expertise spans human resources, finance & accounting, sales & marketing, operations, and consulting functions.

With more than 14 years of international retained search experience, Andrew has partnered with organizations stemming from North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific. His work spans multinational corporations, regional enterprises, and high-growth companies seeking transformative leadership. Known for his ability to connect clients with leaders who not only have the right skills but also align with organizational culture and strategy, Andrew has become a trusted advisor to executive teams navigating change, growth, and succession planning.

Precision in every placement

Andrew takes a bespoke, consultative approach to every engagement, investing the time to deeply understand each client’s mission, vision, and values before identifying and introducing candidates. His ability to tell a client’s story, attract hard-to-find talent, and tap into passive talents through his extensive executive network has helped build resilient leadership teams with lasting impact.

With his personalized, partnership-driven approach, Andrew ensures that each search delivers leaders who bring both capability and cultural alignment, enabling clients to build a competitive advantage in their markets.

"Great executive search is about more than fulfilling a mandate—it’s about ensuring leaders fit seamlessly into the culture and drive long-term success."

Experience

Prior to joining Robert Half Executive Search, Andrew served as a Director at a Singapore-based executive search firm, where he spent five years leading senior-level searches across multiple industries. His client base spans a variety of industries, including organizations in technology, healthcare, FMCG, retail, entertainment & media, real estate, manufacturing, and management consulting. Today, Andrew brings a globally informed perspective combined with deep regional expertise to every search he conducts.

Areas of expertise

C-suite and senior leadership recruitment
Cross-border and regional executive search
Succession planning and organizational growth
Tailored, end-to-end search delivery
Region: Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, and China

Based in Tokyo, Jonathan Quioco (known as JR) is a Managing Director in Robert Half’s executive search division, bringing over 20 years of senior-level recruitment experience, with most of his career focused on the Japanese market.

Jonathan specializes in retained and exclusive executive searches for roles with salaries of ¥15M and above, combining global reach with deep local insight to drive long-term business success. He frequently supports new market entrants and SMEs expanding into Japan, particularly overseas-headquartered companies seeking guidance in building local leadership teams.

Tailored, partnership-driven executive search

Jonathan takes a consultative, partnership-focused approach, investing the time to understand each client’s strategy, culture, and leadership needs. Known for his discretion and impact, he builds high-performing leadership teams that align with organizational goals and create sustainable competitive advantages.

“I approach every search as a partnership, combining careful strategy with a focus on people to create leadership teams that thrive.”

Experience
Before joining Robert Half, Jonathan spent 12 years at a leading global recruitment firm, specializing in executive placements within Sales & Marketing. He built a strong reputation as a trusted advisor in the bilingual talent market.

Jonathan’s expertise spans the technology sector and consumer industries, including packaged goods, sports & entertainment, and communications. While his career has primarily focused on Japan, he has successfully led searches across Northeast Asia, bringing an international perspective to his work.

Areas of expertise

C-suite and senior executive recruitment
Private equity-backed leadership hiring
Organizational transformation
End-to-end, tailored search delivery
Region: Japan, Hong Kong, and Singapore

Based in Tokyo, Japan, Yuka Ikehara is an Associate at Robert Half’s Executive Search division, where she partners with clients on retained searches for senior leadership and C-suite roles across Japan and Asia Pacific. With more than a decade of experience in recruitment and talent advisory, Yuka specializes in advising global and domestic institutions on leadership hiring strategies and delivering end-to-end search solutions tailored to each client’s unique needs.

Having worked in Tokyo, Singapore, and the United States, Yuka brings a multicultural perspective and deep understanding of both Japan’s market dynamics and international hiring processes. She has developed deep expertise in sectors including financial services, banking and capital markets, private equity, fintech, and professional services. Fluent in English and Japanese, she is adept at bridging cultural and organizational differences to connect clients with transformative leaders who can thrive in complex environments.

Precision meets partnership

Yuka takes a consultative and partnership-driven approach to executive search, investing the time to understand her clients’ strategy, organizational culture, and leadership challenges before recommending candidates. She is known for her meticulous evaluation process and ability to engage with senior executives discreetly and effectively, ensuring successful long-term placements that align with both business goals and cultural fit.

“Great search means asking the right questions, listening closely, and pairing insight with partnership to place leaders who elevate the business.”

Experience

Yuka has been with Robert Half since 2015, progressing through roles of increasing responsibility from a Recruiting Specialist in Robert Half Financial Services Group, to now an Associate in Executive Search. She has successfully managed searches across a wide range of organizations, from global investment banks and insurers to innovative fintech and consulting firms. Originally from California, she has educational background in both the US and Japan, and an international work experience at Barclays Capital in Tokyo and Singapore.

Areas of expertise

C-suite and senior executive recruitment
Bilingual (English/Japanese) talent advisory and cross-border hiring
Market strategy and candidate assessment
End-to-end, tailored search execution
Region: Japan and Asia Pacific

Based in Tokyo, Ayumi is an Executive Search Coordinator at Robert Half Executive Search and one of the founding members of the Japan practice. With more than 13 years of experience in executive search, global retained search, and sales support within international organizations, she brings a wealth of industry knowledge and strong operational expertise to her role.

Her responsibilities span the full lifecycle of search engagements, including drafting and managing contracts, coordinating interviews, conducting reference checks, preparing financial documentation, and ensuring all client and candidate touchpoints are handled with discretion and professionalism.

Seamless experiences through precision and care

Ayumi is known for her meticulous attention to detail, cultural fluency, and ability to manage complex search processes with precision and professionalism. Fluent in both English and Japanese, she plays a pivotal role in ensuring seamless communication between clients and candidates across borders. Her bilingual capability and consultative approach enable her to deliver a smooth, efficient, and discreet experience for all parties involved.

“Behind every successful placement is careful coordination. I take pride in bringing clarity, structure, and a personal touch to ensure a smooth experience for both clients and candidates.”

Experience

Before joining Robert Half, Ayumi served as an executive assistant at a Singapore-based executive search firm, where she spent three years supporting executive search mandates across diverse industries, contributing to each stage of the process. She brings a cross-cultural perspective and a commitment to service excellence that continues to shape her work today.

Areas of expertise

Customer Service
Executive Coordination
Candidate Experience

Industries we serve in executive search in Japan

With more than 75 years of global experience, we partner with organisations across industries and ownership structures to identify exceptional leadership talent capable of driving growth, transformation, governance, and long-term value creation.

Here are just a few of the industries we serve:

Private equity

CFO executive search

Digital & technology

Industrial

Board advisory

Risk & compliance

Professional services

Healthcare

Consumer

Real estate

How our executive recruiters help you hire leadership talent

At Robert Half, our executive search process in Japan is built on proven executive placement strategies that help organisations secure the right leaders to drive lasting success. As part of our leadership talent advisory, we partner with businesses at every stage of senior leadership hiring. Find your next senior leader in Japan

Defining the brief

Every successful executive search begins with clarity. We work with you to define the role, leadership requirements, and cultural fit before mapping the market, including industries, companies, and executives who match your profile.

Engaging the market

Using targeted outreach, we connect with both active and passive candidates, many not publicly seeking new roles. Through interviews and assessments, we evaluate leadership qualities, experience, and cultural alignment, presenting you with a curated shortlist of exceptional executives.

Securing the leader

From offer and negotiation through to onboarding, we guide you every step of the process. Our goal is to ensure a smooth transition so your chosen executive integrates quickly and begins driving impact from day one.

Learn how we’ve helped businesses like yours

Global Japanese Technology Company

Support a high potential Executive Talent Acquisition Lead in securing their first Head of Talent Acquisition position within a leading Japanese organization.

The candidate aspired to step into a Head of Talent Acquisition role but faced challenges due to recently working as a standalone Executive TA specialist, despite having prior people management experience. Robert Half partnered closely with both the candidate and client, positioning their unique blend of executive search and leadership experience while educating the client on the scarcity and market value of senior IT-focused Talent Acquisition leaders. We also provided benchmarking and market insights for a newly created leadership role.

The candidate successfully transitioned from Executive TA Lead to Head of Talent Acquisition, securing a compensation increase from ¥15M to ¥25M. The move provided a significant career advancement opportunity, leadership responsibility, and the chance to join a respected Japanese company with a strong heritage following its spin off from Pioneer. The enhanced compensation package also better supported the candidate's long term family and career goals.

Global Alternative Asset Management Company

Support a high performing Finance Director in securing their first Chief Financial Officer position and board appointment within a growth focused organization.

The candidate possessed the technical and leadership capabilities required to become a CFO but lacked confidence in pursuing a top finance leadership role. Robert Half provided market insight, career coaching, and guidance throughout the process, helping the candidate recognize their readiness for executive leadership. We positioned their experience effectively, highlighting their strategic finance expertise, leadership potential, and ability to operate at board level.

The candidate successfully transitioned from Finance Director to Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director (Yakuin), while increasing total compensation from ¥25M to ¥50M through a combination of salary, bonus, and equity. The appointment represented their first opportunity to lead an entire finance function, oversee a large team, and serve as a board member. As a female executive leader, the move also expanded their influence at the highest level of the organization and positioned them for long term executive success.

European Chemical Manufacturing Company

Support a senior commercial leader in securing their first Chief Executive Officer position in Japan after building extensive leadership experience in overseas markets.

The candidate had a strong track record leading sales and business operations internationally but had struggled to break into a top leadership role within Japan. Despite deep experience with Japanese organizations, they were often viewed as a leader best suited for overseas markets. Robert Half identified a unique opportunity with a foreign owned company that had recently acquired a Japanese business, creating strong alignment between the candidate's cross border leadership experience and the organization's transformation goals.

The candidate successfully transitioned from Executive Vice President of Sales to Chief Executive Officer, increasing total compensation from ¥30M to ¥40M. The appointment marked their first opportunity to serve as CEO in Japan, leading a global organization with deep Japanese roots. The move enabled the candidate to achieve a long standing career goal of remaining in Japan while taking full leadership responsibility for a business undergoing growth and transformation.

Local resources, global connections

Let our global network find the leader you need, next door or across the world.

Executive Insights

What is the state of the Executive Search market in Japan? Managing Directors of Robert Half Japan Executive Search discussed latest Executive Search market and trends in Japan.

4 tips to advance your career as a female executive in Japan The number of women in key positions is increasing year by year globally, and in Japan as well, many women are now active in a variety of industries. In this article, we would like to share 4 tips to help women advance their careers in Japan.

The importance of good leadership skills In today’s fast-moving business world with flatter hierarchies, every professional needs good leadership skills. Here are several points to keep in mind as you acquire and hone good leadership styles.

Frequently asked questions

What are the biggest challenges companies face when hiring senior executives in Japan?

Talent scarcity, speed, and confidentiality are among the most common challenges. The strongest executive candidates are rarely active job seekers, meaning organizations must proactively identify and engage them. Many companies also underestimate the time required to complete a successful executive search, particularly in Japan where the senior talent market remains relatively illiquid. Internal alignment can be another obstacle, as searches often stall when stakeholders have not agreed on the leadership profile or business priorities.

In Japan, demand for bilingual and globally experienced executive talent significantly outweighs supply, with an estimated three job opportunities for every qualified candidate. Tokyo Stock Exchange governance reforms have further accelerated demand for board level and senior leadership talent.

Why do executive hires sometimes fail despite strong credentials?

The most common reason is a mismatch in cultural fit. An executive may have an impressive track record but struggle to navigate consensus building, stakeholder management, or the pace and decision making processes of Japanese organizations. Other frequent causes include unclear role expectations and hiring for immediate needs rather than future business requirements. Compensation expectations can also create challenges, particularly when international candidates expect performance based incentives that differ from traditional structures.

Post pandemic workplace expectations have further increased the risk of mismatches, especially when candidates from multinational environments transition into more traditional Japanese organizations.

What executive search trends are shaping the Japanese market today?

Several trends are driving demand for senior talent. Private equity backed companies continue to create significant opportunities for CFOs, CHROs, and COOs as portfolio companies pursue growth, transformation, and exit readiness. Organizations are also prioritizing leaders who can operate effectively within bilingual and multicultural environments. At the same time, digital transformation has increased demand for executives capable of executing technology and innovation strategies, particularly Chief Digital Officers and Chief Technology Officers.

These trends are being fueled by increased investment activity from both global and domestic private equity firms across Japan.

How do executive hiring practices differ between Japanese and foreign owned companies?

Japanese companies are becoming more open to hiring external executives due to increasing governance expectations, but recruiting decisions often involve extensive consensus building and longer timelines. Foreign owned organizations typically move faster, offer greater compensation flexibility, and are more willing to consider candidates from different industries. However, they may underestimate the complexity of leading within Japan's unique business environment.

A growing number of private equity backed Japanese companies combine the urgency and performance focus of international firms with the cultural realities of the local market.

Which executive roles are most in demand in Japan?

Chief Financial Officers remain among the most sought after executives, particularly within private equity backed businesses where financial discipline and strategic leadership are essential. Demand for Chief Human Resources Officers has also risen significantly as organizations place greater emphasis on talent strategy and workforce transformation. Chief Operating Officers continue to be highly valued for driving growth and operational excellence.

Additionally, Country Manager and Japan General Manager positions are increasingly important as companies seek leaders capable of owning full profit and loss responsibility. Demand for Chief Strategy Officers and ESG related leadership roles is also growing.

What factors matter most when evaluating executive candidates?

A proven track record remains the foundation of executive assessment. Organizations want evidence of measurable business impact rather than simply impressive job titles. Leadership style and cultural fit are equally critical, particularly the ability to build trust and influence stakeholders. Language capability and cultural fluency can be major differentiators in Japan.

Companies increasingly prioritize learning agility and adaptability, ensuring leaders can respond effectively to changing business conditions. Executive assessments today often include structured references and extensive background verification.

What are the benefits of using an executive search firm?

Executive search firms provide access to high caliber candidates who are not actively seeking new opportunities. They also offer discretion and confidentiality, which can be critical for sensitive leadership hires. In addition, search consultants manage the recruitment process from market mapping through offer negotiation, allowing clients to remain focused on running their business.

An experienced search partner can also provide objective market insights, including compensation benchmarking and realistic assessments of hiring expectations. In Japan, retained search models are becoming increasingly popular as companies prioritize quality, exclusivity, and long term outcomes.

What advice would you give companies recruiting senior executives?

Begin with internal alignment. Organizations should clearly define the business challenge they are hiring to solve before creating a job description or selecting a title. Companies should also move efficiently, as top executive talent is often evaluating multiple opportunities simultaneously.

Transparency about company culture, organizational challenges, and expectations is essential for long term success. Equally important is investing in onboarding and integration after the hire. Strong onboarding significantly improves executive retention and performance. Employers with compelling growth or transformation stories are increasingly winning executive talent over organizations that offer stability alone.

What makes Robert Half Executive Search different?

Robert Half combines deep local market expertise in Japan with the resources and reach of a global organization. Our consultants understand the unique dynamics of the Japanese executive market while leveraging international networks to identify exceptional leadership talent.

We also bring cross functional expertise, enabling us to evaluate candidates beyond traditional industry boundaries. This is particularly valuable for private equity backed organizations and companies undergoing transformation. Most importantly, we approach every search as a strategic partnership focused on delivering long term business impact rather than a transactional placement.

What skills are most important for today's executives?

Exceptional executives demonstrate the ability to lead through change rather than simply manage stability. They combine strategic thinking with strong commercial acumen and an understanding of key business drivers. Effective communication is critical, particularly across different functions, cultures, and languages.

Organizations also value leaders who can attract, develop, and retain high performing teams. In Japan, bilingual executives with international exposure and proven local operating experience remain among the most sought after leadership profiles in the market.

How can professionals prepare for an executive leadership role?

Future executives should seek opportunities that broaden their experience rather than focusing solely on compensation or title progression. Roles involving profit and loss responsibility, cross functional leadership, and business transformation often provide the strongest preparation for senior leadership positions.

Building a strong professional network, developing a visible industry profile, and gaining exposure to boards and senior stakeholders can further accelerate career growth. Mentorship is also invaluable. Leaders who learn from experienced executives often navigate the journey to the C suite more effectively. In Japan, generational shifts in leadership are creating opportunities for high potential professionals to advance earlier in their careers than in previous decades.

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