Page 21 - Crossroads: September 2015 | Issue 9

BTMU Canada CEO Koji Asada (seated, center) and the Executive Committee for Canada.
Executive Committee for Canada
On July 23, the Executive Committee for Canada (ECC, at left) held its first meet- ing. Taking a page from the Executive Committee for
the Americas, BTMU Can- ada President and CEO Koji Asada developed the idea of establishing a country struc- ture for Canadian operations.
To improve consistency, it became apparent that it would be ideal to establish
a committee of locally hired subject matter experts in combination with those rotating under the expat system at the senior man- agement level. The ECC therefore leverages a global perspective while ensuring consistency in executing the overall strategy for Canada.
Key talent in various sub- ject matter areas has been appointed internally and newly hired to form a group with significant experience and connections across the Canadian marketplace.
“This structure will strengthen Canada’s leader- ship team and our ability to collaborate and contribute globally,” says Koji. “Together, the committee will provide input and guidance for
our business and enable a stronger leadership team in Canada.”
Providing global opportu- nities for clients is the key differentiator in the highly regulated and increasingly competitive Canadian bank- ing environment. Having this expertise under one um- brella, with a focus on part- nership in the Americas and globally, has already begun to contribute to business in Canada.
office in Calgary to support business growth in western Canada, and unifying the Canadian corporate business under a newly formed position with Canada-wide oversight. The new structure will fully integrate the bank’s Canadian business and help to strengthen relationships with U.S. and other global partners.
In its Japanese business, BTMUC recently launched a series of cash management services that will further expand its product lineup and deepen customer relationships.
Supporting these changes are strong corporate values that drive Canadian colleagues to embrace change and to continuously increase their own expectations. The newly formed CSR department is an excellent example of these values at work. Through well- structured CSR projects, the bank ensures that it gives back to the community as well as demonstrates the effectiveness of working as a team. Teamwork, both internally and across the globe, is a very important part of BTMUC’s growth story.
The value of collaboration with MUFG partners and the incredible resources available to Canada in the Americas and across the global network cannot be overstated. Only by leveraging MUFG’s comprehensive range of world-class, wholesale corporate banking expertise is
BTMUC able to compete and succeed among the top global and local competitors.
Global interest in working in Canada is strong and growing. The continued foreign investment in Canada’s economy, including in oil and gas and other resources, will ensure that Canada remains an important part of the global economy. To capitalize on this interest, the bank recently formed a new business line specifically for inbound investment from the Pacific Rim and hosted the BTMU Oil and Gas Conference in Calgary in June.
Reflecting on his two years as CEO of BTMU Canada, Koji Asada says, “Embracing change and questioning the status quo are key to building a high- performance culture. Since I joined BTMU Canada we have made many fundamental changes that have now taken root, and there is a tangible sense of excitement in the air. Our vision is to become the No. 1 foreign corporate bank in Canada — and that goal is within our reach.” CR
September 2015
For internal use only
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