EY Japan has elected Masami Katakura as chairwoman & CEO, becoming the first woman to lead a Big Four or mid-tier firm in Japan.
EY has said it plans to prioritise diversity and inclusiveness, beginning with the advancement of women in office, as well as other initiatives.
EY Global chairman and CEO Mark Weinberger said: "I am incredibly proud and excited that Masami Katakura will be the new leader of our audit firm in Japan. Masami has a history of success at EY serving clients and as an executive board member.
“Being the first woman to lead a large audit firm speaks volume about Masami's dedication to quality, our people and our clients. I am hopeful she will pave the way for many more women leaders in Japan and across the globe."
EY Global chairman and CEO-elect Carmine Di Sibio said: "Masami Katakura embodies the future of assurance: she brings the perfect combination of knowledge, experience and innovation to one of the most significant roles in accounting and audit in Japan.
“As the profession embraces exciting new uses of technology to provide ever better services for clients, she will lead the business through its digital transformation. We are extremely excited for our future in assurance in Japan with Masami as our new leader."
Katakura will start in her role 1 July 2019.
By Asena Degirmenci
