Yukako Sakai

Created and directed the three-year HR transformation process across six entities in five countries (1300+ employees), ensuring alignment with the region’s strategic growth plan and embedding a unified HR operating model, including workshops to redefine Asia’s core values and leadership capability model, embedding new standards for performance management, succession planning, and skill gap assessments. Achieved approximately 10% cost savings by reducing redundant organizational layers, enhanced leadership readiness by 135%, and successfully embedded a unified, employee-focused HR framework across the region, including Regional Talent Assessment Center, a sustainable system to map talent demographics and improve workforce mobility, capability and retention. Achieving significant cost efficiencies while acquiring high-demand talent.

Partnered with Japan’s CEO and Asia Regional C-suite leaders to spearhead a comprehensive HR transformation, focusing on leadership team renewal, cultural realignment, and performance-driven practices. Successfully realigned HR processes with business goals, achieving a 230% improvement in Under-40s’ engagement and establishing BNP Paribas Japan as a leader in workforce innovation and agility. Designed the Management Associate Program to develop high- potential leaders, significantly improving succession planning readiness by 135% and female representation in managerial roles by 130%. Transformed the remuneration model for higher transparency, equity, and competitiveness, which helped achieving a 132% increase in internal mobility and reduced turnover by 26 points, improving workforce retention and strategic alignment.

Collaborated with the CEO, CFO, and MD of Engineering to define a three-year HR operating model, emphasizing agile talent acquisition, diversity, and alignment with strategic business goals. Designed a robust strategy to recruit 500+ engineers and establish a low-cost site, scaling the workforce from 500 to over 1,100 within two years while maintaining budget discipline. Achieved a transformative shift in workforce capabilities, bolstering Ericsson’s competitive position in 5G and earning recognition with HR Program of 2017 award in Ericsson North Asia.