Who is NatWest's New Japan Lead Kei Shibata?

NatWest has announced the appointment of Kei Shibata as President and Country Executive for Japan, effective 1 July, as the bank continues to strengthen its international customer strategy and deepen its presence in the Asia-Pacific region. 

The banking giant says the appointment supports a sharper focus on its Japanese franchise, with the aim of strengthening relationships with clients and stakeholders across the market. The role of President and Country Executive oversees the bank’s operations and strategic direction in the country.

Shibata-san already leads Sales in Japan for NatWest and brings experience in the market alongside a track record in client relationship management.

Subject to regulatory processes, Shibata-san will report to NatWest Head of Asia Pacific Patricio Silva.

He says: "I’m honoured to take on this role and continue building on the strong foundation established in Japan. I look forward to working with colleagues across the bank globally to support our clients, deepen relationships and deliver sustainable growth for our business in the region.”

NatWest builds client relationships in Japan

NatWest says the appointment strengthens its position in Japan as the bank continues to support international customers and corporate clients across Asia Pacific.

Patricio has welcomed the appointment and points to Shibata-san’s leadership within the business and his relationship with customers and stakeholders in the region.

He adds: “I’m very pleased to appoint Kei Shibata as President and Country Executive for Japan.

“Shibata-san has demonstrated strong leadership in our Japan business and built deep relationships with clients and stakeholders. His appointment reiterates our steadfast commitment to Japan and our dedication to being a trusted partner for our global customers.”

The appointment also marks a leadership transition for NatWest in Japan following the retirement of Kenji Yamamoto, who leaves the bank after nearly two decades with the organisation.

NatWest has confirmed that Yamamoto-san will remain with the bank during the transition period to support the handover process and maintain continuity for customers and teams in the market.

Patricio continues: “I would also like to thank Kenji Yamamoto for his outstanding contribution and leadership over many years, and wish him every success in his retirement.”

The transition period allows NatWest to maintain operational stability while leadership responsibilities move to Shibata-san ahead of the July start date.

NatWest continues to position Japan as an important market within its wider Asia-Pacific strategy. The bank says strengthening leadership in the country supports customer engagement and long-term business development across the region.

Regional investment supports wider growth strategy

Alongside its leadership appointment in Japan, NatWest is continuing investment activity in the UK through a regional funding strategy focused on economic growth in the north of England.

The bank has announced a £20bn (US$26.8bn) investment package designed to support industries, infrastructure and regional partnerships over the coming decade.

NatWest says the investment supports local and regional governments while also contributing to wider UK economic activity. The funding announcement comes from Group CEO Paul Thwaite during the Great North Investment Summit.

The strategy outlines support for sectors including housing and energy as the bank works with housing associations and local partners to improve existing housing stock and accelerate delivery projects.

NatWest says the initiative builds on an existing £10bn (US$13.4bn) national lending goal already in place across the organisation.

Energy also remains a focus area within the investment programme. NatWest plans support for clean power generation, energy storage upgrades and wider infrastructure linked to the transition toward lower-carbon systems.

The bank says the programme supports renewable technology deployment including solar energy projects alongside resilience infrastructure such as flood defences, wastewater systems and land regeneration.

NatWest is positioning the strategy as part of its wider approach to sustainable finance and regional economic support.