CEO Insights Magazine

Keio University is one of the esteemed institutions, where many dreams are cultivated and leaders are nurtured. Beyond the traditional facade of academia, Keio stands as a growth haven for individuals who defy norms and envision a future beyond the ordinary. Let's embark on a journey through the personal and professional sagas of its distinguished alumni. Meet one of the noteworthy elites, Kazuhisa Hiramatsu, Representative Director, MFS Investment Management (Japan).

His leadership has been characterized by a focus on long-term active management, challenging the prevailing trend of holding assets in zero-return deposits. Hiramatsu is at the forefront of a mission to instil a better understanding of long-term investing, broadening access to resilient investment strategies, and contributing to the efficient allocation of resources in Japanese society. Let’s hear more from the man himself.

Take us through your professional journey. What motto drives you in the investment industry?

I began my business career at the Long-Term Credit Bank of Japan in 1988 as a dealer, later moving to the project team to launch a new business for Toshin fund sales. Intrigued by the potential of asset management, I joined MFS in 1999 after LTCB was nationalized. Over the years, I focused on pension and financial institution sales, eventually becoming president in 2022. My motivation lies in long-term active management, aiming to address the issue of stagnant household assets in Japan and promoting a better understanding of long-term investing. I believe in providing investors with access to strategies that can help them achieve their financial goals, while contributing to the growth of portfolio companies, and ensuring efficient resource allocation in society.

We are eager to hear about the unique experiences and lessons you gained from Keio University in Japan. Beyond academics, we'd like to know about the values you gained from the institution.

My friends and seniors at Keio University instilled in me the importance of living for a higher purpose, emphasizing the value of learning and working joyfully. Keio has a track record of producing outstanding professionals across various fields, and I draw continuous inspiration from their aspirations and strong determination. The journey has been truly fascinating and motivating.

We are keen to learn about your journey to success and the guiding principles behind it.

The primary reason for my 24-year tenure at MFS is the investment approach. MFS serves a single purpose: to create long-term value for clients by allocating capital responsibly. It is also very important to me that I can sell what I genuinely believe is beneficial for clients. A big part of putting client assets to work responsibly is helping them understand why it matters, how we do it and how we believe it drives better outcomes. Client engagement is crucial to me, hence I actively listen to clients, aiming to educate and empower them for informed decisions aligned with their long-term goals. This empathetic approach and attentiveness to client needs serve as the cornerstone of my success.

Highlight the organization’s current market position and unique value proposition. What sets it apart?

MFS, established in 1924, will celebrate its 100- year anniversary this year, marking a significant milestone in the industry. Being an active manager for 100 years means we are always assessing what’s happening in the world, distinguishing short-term noise from real opportunities to create long-term value for clients. Notably, MFS is known for delivering consistent, long-term solutions addressing a gap in the market for an asset manager who offers a broad range of investments across traditional equity, fixed income and multi asset strategies, and holding them for longer time periods. In Japan, this approach caters to clients such as pension funds and those preparing for retirement.

The company's purpose is not about being one of the largest in the industry. It is a client-centric organisation aiming to create long-term value for investors through responsible capital allocation. In Japan, the growing recognition of the importance of long-term asset building presents an opportunity for MFS to contribute significantly, especially as interest in strategic investing rises, particularly among younger generations. In this context, MFS sees a significant scope to provide long-term active management products to various investors, including institutional and retail investors in Japan.

What guidelines and methodology do you follow as a leader?

I prioritize values like humility, integrity, and mutual respect, setting an example for my team. I lead with a focus on encouraging growth and professional development by assigning tasks slightly beyond team members' comfort zones. Consistently doing so aligns individual, team, and company goals, and helps to foster client engagement.

My leadership style emphasizes clarity, transparency, and fairness to all employees, promoting collaboration, a cornerstone of the MFS culture. Given the dynamic market landscape, staying informed about advancements and disruptions is essential, and I put in umpteen efforts to use my networks, internal and external, to keep up to date.

Kazuhisa Hiramatsu, Representative Director,  MFS Investment Management (Japan)

He is a driving force in reshaping Japan's investment landscape. With a career spanning over two decades, he has been instrumental in steering MFS through dynamic market shifts.