Yasuyuki Higuchi

President & CEO, Microsoft Japan Co., Ltd.

Born: November 28, 1957

Yasuyuki Higuchi became president and CEO of Microsoft Japan on April 1, 2008. Founded over 20 years ago in 1986 and with a workforce of more than 2,000 employees, Microsoft Japan is Microsoft’s second-largest subsidiary. Also, because Japan is home to some of the world’s most advanced consumer and commercial technology, Microsoft Japan plays a major role in supporting the company's broad initiatives and objectives.

Higuchi joined Microsoft in March 2007 as the COO of Microsoft Japan. He exemplifies a rich combination of strategic vision, tactical execution and broad business leadership developed by working at leading international companies in Japan including Boston Consulting Group, Apple, Compaq Computer and Hewlett-Packard.

After spending ten years at Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. fresh out of Osaka University as an engineer, Higuchi sharpened his business acumen and strategic thinking at The Boston Consulting Group K.K. In 1994, he took on a marketing role at Apple Japan, Inc., gaining valuable experience in the consumer business before joining Compaq Computer KK in 1997. When Compaq Computer merged with Hewlett-Packard in 2002, Higuchi became Vice President & General Manager of Industry Standard Servers at Hewlett-Packard Japan, Ltd., quickly ascending to President in 2003. In 2005, he took on the challenge of leading the restructuring of a struggling retailer, Daiei Inc.- the second largest retailer in Japan - as President, successfully completing its revitalization prior to joining Microsoft.

Higuchi holds a bachelor’s degree in Engineering Science from Osaka University and an MBA from Harvard Business School.