Masataka Kubota appointed chairman of PwC in Japan
Global accounting and consulting firm PwC has appointed Masataka Kubota as its next chairman for its Japanese business.
A partner in the Assurance division, Masataka Kubota has been with PwC since 1997, growing the ranks to become partner and leader of the Assurance business. Over the past years, he served as Deputy CEO of the Japan business.
Commencing his four-year term as chairman on 1 July 2024, Kubota will lead a company with approximately 11,500 accountants, tax advisors, consultants, lawyers and other professional staff. PwC has eight offices in Japan.
Kubota will have big shoes to fill at the Big Four firm. Under the leadership of current chairman Koichiro Kimura, who will retire at the end of his term on 30 June 2024, PwC booked strong growth. Over the past eight years, the firm roughly tripled its business in Japan.
Commenting on the appointment, Kimura said: “The Covid-19 pandemic dramatically brought social changes to the fore. Global situations have also become increasingly complex as a result of rising geopolitical tensions as well as disputes and armed conflicts in various parts of the world. Given these circumstances, we are required to address and deal with a wide range of issues, including digital transformation, climate change and the protection of human rights, all at the same time.”
“At PwC, we will do everything in our power to successfully overcome these challenges and build trust in society. We are delighted to appoint Masataka as our next chairman – with his leadership the firm is in good hands.”
Kubota said he was delighted to have received the vote of confidence from the senior leadership. Reflecting on some of his key objectives, he said: “Over the past few years, the speed and extent of social changes have increased, and this trend is likely to continue, accelerate and expand still further. In order to meet society’s expectations in this era, we are strongly committed to further improving the quality and efficiency of our services.”
“We will also enhance collaboration with various partner companies and connections with diverse people through new ways of working. As part of these efforts, we will, not only as PwC alone but also with our partners, make positive contributions to our clients as well as to our communities by implementing wide-ranging, progressive initiatives to build trust and grow sustainably.