Masahiro Kihara, president and group CEO of Mizuho Financial Group, has been awarded the Best Bank CEO in Japan by TAB Global, in recognition of his visionary and transformative leadership in reshaping corporate culture and guiding the group towards sustainable growth. Under his leadership, Mizuho Financial Group is recognised as the Best Managed Bank in Japan. Kihara’s focus on cultural renewal, consistent financial performance and innovation has restored confidence in Mizuho Financial Group, placing it on a stable and forward-looking growth path. These efforts have repositioned the group as a more agile, accountable and globally competitive financial institution. Driving cultural change and organisational renewal Kihara has driven a bold transformation since assuming the position in 2022, focusing on innovation, cultural renewal and sustainable growth. Having inherited challenges from the 2021 IT failures, he has restored confidence by fostering openness, empowerment and accountability, and by establishing a clear Corporate Purpose: “Proactively innovate together with our clients for a prosperous and sustainable future.” He has also introduced merit-based frameworks aligning compensation with roles and performance, enabling employees to take ownership of their careers and contribute to the group’s ongoing evolution. Strengthening core banking and global competitiveness Under Kihara’s leadership, Mizuho has reinforced its core corporate banking franchise by supporting business growth initiatives, restructuring, startup funding and succession planning, with the aim of enhancing the competitiveness of Japanese enterprises. He has also led the expansion of the group’s global corporate and investment banking business, sharpening its presence and competitiveness in the US and Europe. Additionally, Mizuho has advanced sustainability through increased transition equity investments and innovative financial structures addressing climate and human capital challenges. Expanding reach through strategic partnerships and acquisitions Kihara has led Mizuho to form a strategic alliance with Rakuten Group in 2024, leveraging Rakuten Card’s role in Japan’s digital ecosystem to enhance payment and financial services. This partnership has improved user experience and expanded convenient payment options, highlighting the group’s focus on innovation and customer-centric solutions. Additionally, Mizuho has completed the full acquisition of Greenhill, a boutique merger and acquisition (M&A) advisory firm, closing a critical gap in investment banking capabilities, especially in the Americas. This has strengthened cross-border coordination and established a comprehensive global platform, positioning Mizuho as a major player in corporate and investment banking.
