Kakutarō Kitashiro
Kakutarō Kitashiro | |
|---|---|
北城 恪太郎 | |
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| Born | April 21, 1944 Yūki, Ibaraki, Japan |
| Education | Keio University (BS), University of California at Berkeley (MS) |
| Occupation(s) | Systems engineer, business executive |
is a prominent Japanese systems engineer and corporate leader. He held the position of president at IBM Japan, Ltd. from 1993 until 1999, followed by his leadership of IBM Asia Pacific Corporation between 1999 and 2003, significantly contributing to the growth of the IT sector throughout Japan and the broader Asia-Pacific area. Additionally, he served as chairman of the Japan Association of Corporate Executives from 2003 to 2006 and led the Board of Trustees at International Christian University, Tokyo, from 2010 to 2019.
Early life and education
Kitashiro was born on April 21, 1944, in Yūki, Ibaraki, as the firstborn among three siblings. His early education took place in Tokyo elementary schools, with secondary education completed at institutions linked to Keio University. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering management from Keio University in 1967. After three years working at IBM, he paused his career to pursue graduate studies in electrical engineering and computer science at the University of California at Berkeley, where he earned a Master of Science degree in 1972.
IBM career
Starting his professional journey at IBM Japan in April 1967, Kitashiro trained as a systems engineer focusing on public sector clients. Upon finishing his master's program at Berkeley in 1972, he returned to Japan and held various roles across multiple divisions. By 1981, he was leading development for a major banking initiative within IBM Japan's Marketing Division.
In 1983, he relocated to IBM’s global headquarters in Armonk, New York, working as an administrative assistant to CEO John Opel for one year. Upon returning to Japan, he joined the board of directors of IBM Japan in 1986. His career advanced with his appointment as vice president in 1991 and subsequently as president (CEO) from 1993 to 1999, succeeding Takeo Shiina during a period characterized by fierce competition from local manufacturers backed by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry.
In 1999, Kitashiro was named President of IBM Asia-Pacific Region, overseeing business activities across East Asia and Oceania including China, India, Korea, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. He served as supreme chairperson of IBM Japan from 1999 until 2007 and has held the role of honorary executive advisor since 2017.
Outside of IBM
Beginning in 1994, Kitashiro actively participated in Keizai Doyukai—the influential Japan Association of Corporate Executives—and held its chairmanship from 2003 through 2007.
From 2010 to 2019, he was chairman of the Board of Trustees at International Christian University located in Mitaka, Tokyo, a liberal arts institution founded after World War II on the former site where the Zero fighter was produced.
Publication
Kitashiro has written multiple books in Japanese that focus on customer relationship management as well as offering advice tailored for emerging professionals.
Personal life
As he approached the end of middle school, Kitashiro was encouraged to enhance his English skills, which prompted him to join an English-language Sunday school. In 1967, he underwent baptism. He wed Midori Kumasaka, who was baptized at the same time, and together they have three adult children.
See also
References
| Predecessor | 1993-1999 | Successor |
|---|---|---|
| Takeo Shiina | Kakutaro Kitashiro | Takuma Otoshi (大歳卓麻) |