Exclusive Interview with
SCAO Group CAO & CFO Mr Daisuke Kakihara
“To tackle everything with full dedication.”
Mr Daisuke Kakihara
Corporate Officer
Assistant General Manager for Asia & Oceania
Sumitomo Corporation
Chief Administration Officer
Chief Financial Officer
Sumitomo Corporation Asia & Oceania Pte. Ltd., Singapore
Following the recent re-organisation and announcement of the new medium-term management plan by SCHQ, what kind of values and mindset should all of us have to achieve the goal of “No. 1 in Each Field – leading global growth from SCAO”?
First of all, I would like us to adopt the mindset of Global HQ (GHQ) concept. The roles of Tokyo and regional organisations have changed a little from what they used to be. Each of us should consider what is currently happening in the world, the underlying reason behind it, how things will move in the future, and how we should adapt to these changes moving forward. By assimilating the trends of each country and industry into the strategies of each SBU, we will be able to see what we want to do and the direction we should take.
With my colleagues from HR Dept in Tokyo, Japan
Feng shui tour with Seiyukai members in May 2024. Seiyukai is an association which consists of Sumitomo group of companies in Singapore, I was elected as the Chairman for this year
You are assuming the dual role of Group Chief Administration Officer (CAO) and Group Chief Financial Officer (CFO). What are your challenges and satisfaction (or motivation) in assuming these 2 roles?
I recognise the vital roles of CAO and CFO. By evaluating the current situation in the SCAO region from both quantitative and qualitative perspectives, I aim to provide forward-looking recommendations and support. Additionally, I will consider and adapt the role of corporate units as circumstances and times evolve. In fulfilling both roles, I place great importance on maintaining a balance between the two. I believe that it is only by integrating the work of both the CAO and CFO that I can fulfill the role that is truly required of me. I make a conscientious effort to avoid performing duties or making decisions that are biased in favour of one or the other.
What did you aspire to be when you were young? What led you to become the “Shosha-man” as you are today? What does being a “Shosha-man” mean to you?
When I was a child, I wanted to become a veterinarian. I have always liked animals such as dogs and cats. I still like them just as much now, but unfortunately, I could not become a veterinarian. However, I have been given the opportunity to work in the rewarding field of trading. To me, a trading professional is someone who deals with various social issues and contributes to solving them through the lens of business.
Dinner with colleagues at Don Julio Steakhouse in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Attended Japan Hour event in Singapore. Japan Hour is a long-standing popular TV programme featuring Japanese culture and travel destinations. SCAO is the organiser for this programme
Golf with Seiyukai members in December 2023
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SNAPSHOT
I strongly believe in… for the world to come together as one
I spend most of my time.. playing golf recently
The food I crave most often is… Tom Yum Ramen in our Bangkok office building
One personal rule that I never break is… to approach everything with sincerity
The thing that cheers me up whenever I think about is… spending time with my dogs in Tokyo
One thing I really want but can’t afford yet is… I haven’t really thought about it, but if I had to say, maybe it would be “Airplanes”. I’d like to visit various places whenever I want
If I could go back in time, I would… go back to my student days and challenge myself in more diverse ways
If I have enough money to live comfortably without having to work, I would… want to live a relaxed life with my dogs
