Asako Ouchi obtained her professional legal qualification in Japan and has 14 years’ experience so far. She joined IBM in 2023, and is now responsible for the healthcare business, HR issues, HR disputes, Corporate Governmance, and Quantum in Japan. While in this role, Ouchi, has managed challenging employee relations, conflicts, and labor union disputes. She has also worked on negotiating general service agreements and healthcare-related complex contracts such as research collaboration agreements. Additionally, she has helped the company comply with the new Economic Security Promotion Law regulations and advocated for the company’s interests with the government. Ouchi started her career at one of the top-tier law firms in Japan, Anderson Mori & Tomotsune, specialising in antitrust law; this laid the groundwork for her expertise in legal analysis and investigative work. During her time with Anderson Mori & Tomotsune, Ouchi had the opportunity for secondment to the legal and compliance department of a Pharmaceutical company, which led to her being hired by them. Here, she broadened her capabilities, particularly in respect to regulatory compliance and strategic negotiations for radiopharmaceuticals and licensing agreements. Outside of work, Ouchi is the mother of two girls and enjoys devoting her free time to them.