Takeo Shiina
Takeo Shiina | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Seki, Gifu, Japan |
| Died | April 19, 2023 (aged 93) |
| Occupation | Business executive |
| Years active | 1953–1999 |
| Known for | President and chairperson of IBM Japan; Vice president of IBM Corporation; contributions to Japan's IT industry |
Takeo Shiina (, May 11, 1929 – April 19, 2023) was a prominent Japanese business executive who played a pivotal role in shaping both the domestic and international IT industry.
Early life and education
Shiina was born in Seki, Gifu, Japan, into a family that operated a ceramics manufacturing business. He completed his middle and high school education at institutions affiliated with Keio University in Tokyo. In 1951, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering from Keio University's Engineering School. He further pursued studies abroad, earning a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from Bucknell University in Pennsylvania in 1953.
IBM's Japanese subsidiary
After returning to Japan in 1953, Shiina began his career at IBM Japan within its manufacturing division, which at the time was a modest assembly unit located near Haneda Airport. By 1960, he advanced to become the manager of IBM's Chidoricho Plant and subsequently took charge of manufacturing operations. His leadership extended to overseeing the personnel, marketing, and finance departments before being named president of IBM Japan in 1975.
During his tenure, IBM Japan experienced substantial expansion amid the introduction of the IBM System/360 and System/370 computer families. The company successfully navigated challenges such as steep import tariffs and fierce competition from major Japanese mainframe alliances—including (Fujitsu-Hitachi, NEC-Toshiba, and Mitsubishi Electric-Oki)—which received backing from the Ministry of International Trade and Industry. Under Shiina’s guidance, IBM Japan achieved an unprecedented milestone by generating annual revenues of one trillion yen, marking a remarkable accomplishment for a foreign enterprise in Japan’s post-World War II economic landscape.
In 1993, Shiina transitioned to the role of chairperson of IBM Japan as Kakutaro Kitashiro succeeded him as president. Later, in 1999, he assumed the position of supreme adviser following Kitashiro’s appointment as chairperson and Takuma Otoshi’s elevation to president.
For Japan's industries
Shiina held lifelong membership in the influential Japan Association of Corporate Executives, where he also served as vice chairman of the board of council. Additionally, he chaired the committee dedicated to foreign-affiliated corporations within the Japan Federation of Economic Organizations. Committed to enhancing productivity among both staff and management, he acted as vice president of the Japan Productivity Center. His corporate governance experience included board memberships at Hoya Corporation, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Meiji Seika, and Mercian Corporation.
For Asia-Pacific and the world
On an international scale, Shiina contributed significantly to the Asia Pacific IT market through his role on the board of IBM World Trade Asia/Pacific Corporation. Between 1989 and 1993—a challenging era for IBM—he served as vice president of IBM Corporation, actively fostering business development across the Asia Pacific region. He was well known for his remark: "I sell IBM to Japan, but I sell Japan to IBM."
Recognition
In acknowledgment of his achievements, Takeo Shiina was awarded the Purple Ribbon of Honor by the Japanese government in 1990. Four years later, he received a Trade Award from the Prime Minister of Japan for his efforts advancing Japan’s international trade policies. In 2000, he was bestowed with the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Sacred Treasure, which represents one of Japan’s highest honors.
His alma mater, Bucknell University, honored him with the Outstanding Contribution Award in 2008.
Publication
In 2001, Shiina contributed an autobiographical piece to the "My Curriculum Vitae" section of the Nihon Keizai Shimbun, which was subsequently released in Japanese under the title Living with Foreign Companies in Japan.
External links
| Predecessor | Tenure | Successor |
|---|---|---|
| Sanae Inagaki (稲垣早苗) |
Takeo Shiina 1975–1993 |
Kakutarō Kitashiro |