New BCCJ Executive Committee Elected at AGM 2025
Photo credit: Gregory Owain Photography | BCCJ AGM 2025 Photo Album
The results of the BCCJ’s contested 2025–2026 Executive Committee (Excom) Election were announced and approved at last night’s Annual General Meeting (Thursday, April 24).
Held at IWAI Omotesando, the meeting was opened by His Majesty’s Ambassador to Japan, Julia Longbottom CMG, who welcomed Deputy Trade Commissioner Greg Gardner and highlighted a successful start by the UK Pavilion at Osaka Expo 2025.
Julia acknowledged the work achieved by BCCJ members in support of this relationship and said that the British Embassy Tokyo and British Consulate General Osaka looks forward to continuing close collaboration with the Chamber and its ever-evolving community.
BCCJ Executive Director Sarah Backley thanked members for their continued support of the Chamber. She noted a few personal highlights: the successful completion of the BCCJ’s first Mentorship Programme for Aspiring Professionals; the Chamber’s expansion to the Kansai region, where it hosted three events; BCCJ members’ contributions to Noto Earthquake relief efforts; and the appointment of BCCJ Events Coordinator Yousef Berouche and Operations Manager Mariko Okawa, who took over from Sanae Samata last September after 37 years of service.
BCCJ President Richard Lyle took attendees through an insightful presentation, reflecting on a positive year at the Chamber as connections found new ways to flourish. Highlights included a record number of BCCJ members — both in total organisations and registered delegates — a successful events programme featuring 56 cross-industry events, and the hosting of a record-breaking British Business Awards 2024.
Richard closed his speech by sharing some of his fondest memories serving Chamber members before thanking Alison Beale, who is stepping down from her role as Vice President after 10 years on the Committee.
Electing the Executive Committee
BCCJ Executive Director Sarah Backley then announced the Excom election results.
The following 15 BCCJ members will form the 2025–2026 Excom, listed in alphabetical order by first name.
- Heather Prosser | FGS Global, Managing Director
- Helen Iwata | Sasuga Communications K. K, President
- Junko Kubokawa | Individual Member
- Keith Thomas | EY Japan, Associate Partner
- Ken Katayama | Individual Member
- Kentaro Kiso | Barclays Securities Japan Limited, President and Representative Director
- Mark Dytham MBE | Klein Dytham architecture, Founder
- Nicola Vote | Individual Member
- Nora Yamada | The British School in Tokyo, Assistant Headteacher
- Peter Harris | Clifford Chance, Partner
- Rachna Ratra | Robert Walters Japan, Managing Director
- Richard Lyle | Intralink KK, Deputy Managing Director & Head of Government Services
- Robert Peer | BAE Systems, President
- Robert Williams | AP Advisers Ltd, Executive Investment Adviser
- Vivian Tokai | Individual Member
Other Business
The election of the new committee, statement of accounts and appointment of auditors (HLS Global) were all approved in the majority.