Updated: April 22, 2008

Yasuyuki Higuchi became president and CEO of Microsoft Japan on April 1, 2008. Founded in 1986, Microsoft Japan is the company's second-largest subsidiary with a workforce of more than 2,000 employees. As 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, bringing a combination of strategic vision, tactical execution and broad business leadership developed while working in Japan for such companies as Boston Consulting Group, Apple, Compaq Computer and Hewlett-Packard.

Higuchi's began his career at Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. as an engineer, and then moved on to a business strategy role at The Boston Consulting Group K.K. In 1994, he took on a marketing role at Apple Japan, Inc., working in their 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., ascending to President in 2003. In 2005, he led the restructuring of 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.

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