SMFG chief Jun Ohta broke mold of Japanese bankers

Pioneering executive rejected convention and fostered young talent

20231127N Jun Ohta

Early in his career, Jun Ohta built Sumitomo Bank's project finance business. © Reuters

JUN WATANABE, Nikkei staff writer

TOKYO -- Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group President and CEO Jun Ohta, who died Saturday, defied the stereotypes of bankers in Japan with his constant push for reform in an industry bound by convention.

At Japanese banks, those working in product development and government relations typically tend to occupy the top of the hierarchy. But Ohta was a rare bank chief with a nose for business.

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