Welcoming the BCCJ’s Interim Executive Director

Lori Henderson MBE, Executive Director of the BCCJ since 2011, and responsible for the leadership, general management and communications strategy of the organisation, has announced that she will be taking maternity leave from October 2016 and will be passing on the baton to fellow Brit Emma Hickinbotham, who will be with us as interim Executive Director until Lori returns to the BCCJ next year.

Lori said:

“Preparing for maternity leave is not only an interesting personal journey, but also a unique opportunity for the BCCJ team to review strategic developments, organisational efficiency, and operational metrics.

“Six months into the financial year, I’m pleased to report that we are on track. Membership numbers are increasing, with ever-growing engagement of Japanese members, as well as Platinum partners – our “Champions of British Business”.

“Our events programme continues to offer a diverse spread of learning and development opportunities – as well as fun.

“And our community work has a positive impact on marginalized groups in Japan, such as youth living in care homes seeking education and jobs.”

Lori also expressed her gratitude to BCCJ members HR Advisory for providing expert advice on matters related to Japan’s labour law, and maternity and paternity leave and benefits.

The BCCJ congratulates Lori and wishes her all the best for the next six months in her exciting new role as a parent, and extends a warm welcome to Interim Executive Director Emma Hickinbotham, who joined the team this week.

Emma, a former JET with a global career spanning finance, international affairs, event planning, and market entry, will bring to the team nearly 20 years of cross-cultural UK-Japan experience.

Emma says, “I am thrilled to be joining the BCCJ as Interim Executive Director, especially at a time when there is much focus on Japan from around the world in business, sports, science, and the arts. My commitment to contributing to existing and new memberships, delivering high value events for members, and promoting the chamber’s activities in the community, is deep. I look forward to working together with the BCCJ team and executive committee to achieve the goals of the BCCJ.”