Keiko Shimada is a member of Russell Reynolds Associates’ global Leadership & Succession team. Keiko draws upon abundant pre- and post-deal M&A consulting experience with corporate and private equity clients across industries — with a particular focus on retention, selection and succession of leaders, and governance support. She is based in Tokyo.

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE

Keiko joined RRA from Mercer Japan Ltd., where she oversaw the firm as a partner; representative director; and interim CEO, COO and board director. She started as an associate at Mercer Japan, moving up to consultant, principal, head of global M&A consulting and head of the multinational client group. Keiko began her career as a human resources specialist at a Japanese manufacturing company, where she focused on talent acquisition, talent management and development.

EDUCATION & AFFILIATIONS

Keiko has a BA in political science with a focus on international development economics from the Aoyama Gakuin University School of International Political Science, Economics and Business, and an MBA from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business. She is an adjunct professor at Waseda University Business School and recently co-authored “HR Due Diligence — 3rd Edition.” Keiko is also an advisory board member at the Japanese outlet of Grameen Bank, Grameen Nippon.