Introducing the 78th BCCJ Executive Committee (FY2026-2027)
On the 23 April 2026, candidates standing for the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan's Executive Committee were officially elected into their roles. Out of twenty-two stellar candidates, fifteen were smoothly elected into their roles, with Richard Lyle continuing as BCCJ President.
The Annual General Meeting was held at BENE with 75 treasured members joining us for the formal proceedings. As a first, the evening was able to be viewed simultaneously in both Japanese and English, and we celebrated the many wins over the course of FY2025-2026 - including record membership growth. Richard Lyle also extended his sincere thanks to the outgoing Executive Committee for their generous support and professionalism.
We warmly introduced our newest Platinum Member, Astris Advisory Japan K.K. to our invitation-only tier, with a formal introduction to be announced shortly.
Her Excellency Julia Longbottom CMG joined us for her final Annual General Meeting as British Ambassador to Japan. We are deeply thankful for the relationship we have been able to nurture with the British Embassy and extend our most sincere support as she moves into her next chapter.
A new membership tier, NPO | Charity, for the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan was also formally voted in by both the FY2025-2026 Executive Committee and by the voting majority, which was held during the AGM proceedings. More news regarding the new tier will come in due course.
The entire photo gallery of the evening can be found here.
Introducing the 78th BCCJ Executive Committee
Below, we invite you to learn about the newly elected Executive Committee.
In alphabetical order (pictured top left to right above):
Anna Iveson - Rugby School Japan, Director of Marketing and Admissions
Hannah Perry - IHG Hotels & Resorts, Senior Manager, Corporate Affairs, Japan & Micronesia
Heather Prosser - FGS Global, Partner
Helen Iwata - Sasuga Communications K.K., President & Representative Director
Junko Kubokawa - Individual Member
Kayo Osaka - Individual Member
Ken Katayama - Individual Member
Kentaro Kiso - Barclays, President & Representative Director
Mark Dytham MBE - Klein Dytham architecture, Founding Partner
Peter Harris - Clifford Chance, Partner
Rachna Ratra - Robert Walters Japan K.K., Managing Director, Tokyo
Richard Lyle - Intralink KK, Deputy Managing Director
Rob Peer - BAE Systems Japan, President
Robert Williams BEM - AP Advisers Ltd , Executive Investment Adviser
Vivian Tokai - Individual Member
Richard Lyle has been confirmed as President of the BCCJ for FY2026-2027, continuing on for his fourth consecutive year. The Vice-President and Treasurer will be announced in due course.
To refresh yourself on each elected member's written statement, we invite you to read the 78th Executive Committee Booklet below. Click here or the book itself to access the PDF.
The election of the new committee, statement of accounts and appointment of certified public accountants (HLS Global) were all approved in the majority.
The Platinum Membership
In honour of our greatest supporters.
