Korn Ferry Japan Announces New Co-Representatives

Korn Ferry (NYSE: KFY | Korn Ferry Japan, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo), a global organizational consulting firm, announced that Akira Shibata and Peter Lacour will assume roles as Japan Co-Representatives, effective May 1, 2026. Junichi Takinami, who has served as Japan Representative, will retire and become Chairman.

■ Profiles of the Co-Representatives

Akira Shibata

After graduating from Keio University with a degree in Literature, he worked at PWC Consulting (now IBM) and FleishmanHillard before joining Hay Group, one of Korn Ferry's predecessors. At Korn Ferry, as the head of the consulting division, he has handled a wide range of projects including executive succession, restructuring of executive management systems, and formulation of talent management strategies. His publications include 'Engagement Management' and 'Talent Transformation,' and co-authored works such as 'Job-based HR System,' '7 Conditions for Surviving the VUCA Era,' and 'Textbook of Job-based HR System.' Member of Keizai Doyukai.

Peter Lacour

After earning a Master's degree in Oriental Studies from Cambridge University in the UK, he spent over 20 years in global executive search firms. In the latter half of his tenure, he also served as Vice Chairman, established and built the Asia platform, and oversaw Europe and Asia as International Business Head. He joined Korn Ferry Japan in 2023. After serving as Global Co-Head of Private Funds and overseeing executive search for the entire Japanese financial industry, he was appointed Head of Executive Search and Professional Search divisions. Member of Young President Organization (YPO), founding member of YPO Zen Pacific. Speaks English, Japanese, and Spanish.

■ Comments from the Co-Representatives

"It has long been said that Japanese companies lag behind Western global companies in terms of investment in human capital, but in recent years, Japanese companies have been actively investing in talent. Among these, there is significant interest in the recruitment and development of executive leadership, especially CEOs. We are confident that Korn Ferry is a rare entity that can genuinely support both the recruitment and development of executive leadership through executive search and consulting. Our mission is to strengthen the pool of talent capable of leading management and to create organizations where talent can grow for that purpose."

■ Announcement of Media Briefing Session

To introduce the new Co-Representatives, an online media briefing will be held. For those who cannot attend, arrangements will be made for a recording or a separate explanation session.

Date: Wednesday, May 27, 2026, 13:00-14:00

Title: Current State and Future Outlook of Human Capital Consulting

Speakers:

Akira Shibata, Japan Co-Representative, Korn Ferry Japan Co., Ltd.

Peter Lacour, Japan Co-Representative, Korn Ferry Japan Co., Ltd.

Format: Zoom Webinar

Application: https://forms.gle/huMuDCdqF25CyNBt7

About Korn Ferry

Korn Ferry is a global organizational consulting firm headquartered in Los Angeles, USA. It supports clients in organizational design, talent placement, and provides consultation on issues such as employee treatment, development, and motivation. Furthermore, it supports talent career advancement by enhancing their expertise.

Media inquiries regarding this matter:

Kiyofumi Matsuda, Marketing Manager, Korn Ferry Japan Co., Ltd.

Tel: 070 3193 6371 (mobile) / E-mail: kiyofumi.matsuda@kornferry.com