CEO Insights Magazine

In Japan, the role of Executive Directors has become increasingly vital as organizations navigate globalization, digital transformation, and cross-border collaboration. With Japan’s growing engagement in regional ecosystems, the responsibilities of Executive Directors often extend into building trust, fostering innovation, and ensuring sustainable growth across multiple markets. A clear example of this evolving leadership role is seen in Onouchi Takahiro, who serves as Executive Director of FPT Consulting Japan and Vice President of FPT China. With two decades of consulting experience at Accenture Japan, he brought to FPT a strong background in advising enterprises on transformation strategies and implementing large-scale solutions. Over the past six years with FPT, he has applied this expertise to guide the company’s operations in both Japan and China.

Onouchi has been instrumental in shaping FPT’s role as a connector across Asian markets. His work emphasizes creating new ecosystems between Japan, Vietnam, China, and other countries in the region, fostering collaboration that drives both technological advancement and business synergies. By leveraging his consulting background and leadership experience, he helps organizations not only adopt digital solutions but also position themselves within broader networks of innovation and growth.

Through his dual responsibilities, Onouchi Takahiro reflects the critical qualities of modern Executive Directors in Japan: strategic foresight, cross-cultural leadership, and the ability to drive collaboration across borders. His career illustrates how Japanese executives are increasingly central to shaping Asia’s interconnected future. Let’s read on.

What is your leadership philosophy, and how do you instill that philosophy across the firm? 

My leadership philosophy is anchored in two fundamental values: happiness and trust. I firmly believe, following the principle set by our founder, that meaningful work can only emerge when employees are genuinely happy. Even in challenging circumstances, a sense of happiness motivates individuals to give their best and fosters a positive, resilient workplace culture. As a leader, I strive to create and maintain an environment where this can flourish.

Equally important is trust, which I consider the foundation for all achievements. Confidence, credibility, and strong relationships, both internally and externally, cannot exist without trust. In my approach, cultivating trust with colleagues, clients, and partners is essential for collaboration, decision-making, and sustainable growth. By emphasizing happiness and trust together, I aim to inspire engagement, encourage initiative, and enable both individuals and the firm to thrive in a rapidly evolving business landscape.

What do you see as the biggest opportunity and the biggest risk for the firm in the current market, and how are you leading the efforts to address those challenges and utilize those opportunities?

In today’s market, opportunities and risks are heavily influenced by shifts in the macro environment, particularly geopolitics and geo-economics, which shape corporate strategies and regional activities. As these dynamics change, the methods of value creation, through regional collaboration and cross-border partnerships, also evolve. A prominent example is Japan’s aging population, which poses challenges not only to the availability of digital talent but also to multiple industries across the nation. I believe that fostering a strong Japan-Vietnam ecosystem can help mitigate such risks while generating innovative solutions to pressing challenges. By leveraging crossborder collaboration, we can unlock new avenues of value creation, strengthen regional partnerships, and ensure that the firm remains agile and forward-looking in a rapidly changing market landscape.

How does the firm balance the push for digital transformation internally with the need to provide tangible, human-centric solutions for clients?

At FPT, talent development has always been a central pillar of our strategy, exemplified by the creation of FPT University to cultivate future leaders and innovators. We recognize that human resources remain at the heart of our business, and even as artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies evolve, the role of people continues to grow in significance. Our approach emphasizes the integration of skilled individuals with cutting-edge technology, ensuring that digital transformation is both effective and meaningful. By leveraging this combination, we not only enhance operational efficiency but also deliver solutions that address human needs and create lasting impact across industries and society. This balance allows FPT to lead in innovation while maintaining a people-first perspective in every transformation initiative we undertake.

Looking ahead, what developing technology or market trend do you see as the biggest potential disruptor to the consulting industry, and how is the firm preparing for it?

Artificial intelligence is poised to be the most significant disruptor in the consulting industry. In Japan, where talent shortages have historically shaped reliance on consultants and engineers, the future will depend on how effectively organizations combine in-house expertise with AI capabilities. This transformation is expected to redefine roles across the industry, and those unable to adapt risk being left behind. At FPT, we are actively embracing AI to complement human expertise, ensuring that institutional knowledge is preserved while enhancing operational efficiency. By integrating AI into our consulting processes, we aim to maintain relevance and competitiveness in a  rapidly changing market. This approach not only strengthens our capabilities but also positions the firm to deliver innovative, high-value solutions that meet evolving client needs in a technology-driven landscape

What is your future vision, going forward?

Looking ahead, the evolving macro environment, shaped by geopolitics, geo-economics, and the rise of next-generation technologies like AI, requires the market to stay proactive and prepared. Success will depend on the ability to create new value chains and opportunities by fostering regional collaboration that aligns with the unique needs of each industry and sector. I see a critical role for both myself and FPT in serving as connectors in this evolving landscape. By bridging markets, talent, and technology, we aim to enable organizations to navigate change effectively, unlock innovative solutions, and generate meaningful impact. My vision is for FPT to be at the forefront of this transformation, facilitating cross-border partnerships and regional ecosystems that drive sustainable growth and create value not just for businesses, but for society at large.

In light of your strong professional experiences, what would be your advice to budding industry leaders?

This year has reinforced for me that effective management decisions can no longer be made in isolation from geopolitical factors. Relying solely on past successes or traditional approaches is insufficient in today’s fast-changing environment, and this trend will only intensify. In Japan, where a more closed mindset can sometimes dominate, I encourage emerging leaders to broaden their horizons by exploring global markets and experiencing change first hand. Exposure to diverse perspectives, cultures, and business practices is essential. I also advise fostering diversity within organizations, ensuring that teams reflect a range of ideas and experiences. By integrating these broader perspectives into decision-making, future leaders can navigate uncertainty more effectively, drive innovation, and make resilient, forwardlooking choices. Ultimately, adaptability, openness, and a global mindset are key traits for those aiming to shape the next generation of industry leadership.

Onouchi Takahiro, Executive Director, FPT Consulting Japan & Vice President, FPT China

Onouchi Takahiro serves as Executive Director of FPT Consulting Japan and Vice President of FPT China. With 20 years of consulting experience at Accenture Japan, he brings deep expertise in advising enterprises on transformation strategies and driving large-scale projects. Over the past six years at FPT, he has focused on fostering cross-border collaboration, building ecosystems between Japan, Vietnam, China, and other Asian countries, and creating innovative solutions that connect markets, talent, and technology to drive regional growth.

•Hobbies: Watching Shohei Ohtani/Baseball
•Favorite Cuisine: Japanese, Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean
•Favorite Book: How to Stop Worrying and Start Living (Dale Carnegie)
•Favorite Travel Destination: Vietnam, China
•Awards & Recognition: Top 3 among company in 2020 as strategic deal establishment