VP, Financial Communications

OverviewWeber Shandwick is one of the world’s leading global communications and marketing solutions firms with offices in 79 cities and a network extending to 120 cities on 6 continents. In the Asia Pacific region, the firm operates in 18 markets including owned as well as affiliates and representative firms in other locales – spanning Greater China, Japan and Korea, India and Southeast Asia. Our heritage in Asia Pacific stretches back more than 60 years.In our financial communications work, we advise public and private companies across industries on strategic and capital markets communications efforts that best position them among relevant stakeholders. Our engagements span the normal-course financial lifecycle (e.g., quarterly earnings, proxy statements) and transformative events (e.g., M&A/post-merger integration, IPO, litigation, bankruptcy, activism, executive management transitions, labor issues). We collaborate closely in these engagements with both the C-suite and key IR/PR personnel.About the Opportunity: We are seeking a senior-level financial communications professional to join our growing global Financial Communications and Capital Markets practice, based in Tokyo. This is a high-impact role advising Japanese and multinational clients on complex corporate events and strategic issues including mergers and acquisitions, IPOs, restructurings, executive transitions, spin-offs, litigation, sustainability matters, regulatory developments, and investor relations.This role is ideal for a seasoned practitioner with extensive experience in financial communications, issues management, and corporate reputation strategy—someone who thrives in high-stakes environments and can translate complex financial and regulatory information into clear, compelling narratives for stakeholders in Japan and globally.Key Responsibilities:Lead/support a range of financial communications and special situations, including M&A, shareholder activism, defense against short-sellers, bankruptcies, initial public offerings, series financing, as well as earnings support and other ongoing investor relations activitiesServe as a senior advisor to clients in Japan on a range of financial communications and capital markets mattersSupport clients in articulating a differentiated investment story that resonates with global and domestic investors, regulators, and the mediaDraft and review investor-facing materials such as earnings releases, IR presentations, Q&A documents, press releases, and executive speechesDrive proactive and reactive media relations, leveraging relationships with top-tier Japanese and international financial mediaCollaborate closely with other Weber Shandwick teams/offices and external partners such as legal counsel, IR firms, accounting advisors, on financial comms assignmentsStrategic LeadershipManage the day-to-day relationships between internal teams and clients, ensuring high-quality and timely delivery of all communications materialsSupport thought leadership activities that better position Weber Advisory for capital markets and financial comms workHire, mentor and develop junior team members and contribute to a collaborative team cultureEnsure profitability of individual accounts, and sustained growth of the Financial Communications and Capital Markets businessParticipate in business development efforts and help grow the firm's presence in Japan and the broader APAC regionQualifications & ExperienceBachelor's degree in a relevant field8+ years of relevant experience in financial communications, investor relations, strategic consulting, corporate affairs, or equity researchDeep knowledge of Japan’s capital markets, financial reporting, disclosure regulations (e.g. TSE rules, FSA guidelines), and corporate governance practicesStrong understanding of institutional and retail investor dynamics in Japan and across APACProven ability to advise C-suite executives and senior leadership during transformational events and sensitive situationsExceptional writing, storytelling, and messaging skills in native Japanese; English language proficiency is a strong advantageThrives under pressure and can handle multiple projects in a demanding, deadline-oriented environment, while maintaining meticulous attention to detailStrong media relations experience with a track record of managing top-tier financial mediaDemonstrated proficiency with AI-powered tools transforming the PR industry, including content generation platforms, media monitoring systems, and data analytics tools. Highly organized, self-motivated, and detail-oriented, with excellent time management and project leadership skillsComfortable working in cross-cultural, cross-functional teams across time zonesDemonstrated ability to lead, inspire, and grow high-performing teamsPreferred Qualifications: Experience with financial database such as Bloomberg, S&P Cap IQ, FactSet, Refinitiv, as well as media databases including Cision, MuckRackStays current with emerging AI technologies and actively explores how these tools can enhance strategic communications, streamline workflows, and deliver measurable results for financial services clients.Has experience directly counseling clients/senior ranking executives through a broad range of financial events, issues and special situationsHas experience with reputation management and promoting/protecting brands through integrated communications programsExperienced and interested in supporting new business/cross-selling effortsExperience working with multinational clients or in a global agency is a plusExperience developing crisis communication plans, talking points, stakeholder messaging, and internal communications strategiesMedia and crisis training experience are a plusNote from the teamWeber Shandwick is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Weber Shandwick is committed to building a culture where all employees are seen as equal, are respected and where all opinions are heard. We take pride in our inclusive hiring, as well as our diverse workforce and we welcome applications from all qualified candidates.Personal data held by Weber Shandwick relating to employment applications will be used in accordance with our Recruiting Privacy Statement, which is available on our website.Due to the large number of applications received, we apologize if we are unable to provide a response or feedback on unsuccessful applications. We appreciate the time taken to apply for the role and your recent interest in Weber Shandwick.We make our careers website accessible to any and all users. If you need an accommodation to participate in the application process, please contact us at JobAppAccommodation@ipgdxtra.com. 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