Yasuhiro Sato

President & CEO, Mizuho Financial Group Business Circle

Yasuhiro Sato has been President & Group Chief Executive Officer of Mizuho Financial Group since June 2011 and a Director since June 2009. From April 2009 to March 2014, he was President and Chief Executive Officer of Mizuho Corporate Bank, which merged with Mizuho Bank in July 2013. From April 2007 to March 2009, he was Deputy President of Mizuho Corporate Bank.

Prior to becoming Deputy President, Mr. Sato served as Managing Director and Head of the Corporate Banking Unit and earlier positions included Senior Corporate Officer in the International Banking Unit.

Mr. Sato joined the Industrial Bank of Japan (IBJ) in 1976. The IBJ merged with Dai-Ichi Kangyo Bank and Fuji Bank to create Mizuho Financial Group in 2000. With Mr. Sato's wide network and extensive experience international business, including a period based in New York, he has been a pivotal leader in terms of Mizuho's global strategies and expansion.

From April 2012 to March 2013, he served as Chairman of the Japanese Bankers Association, providing leadership to a financial industry facing unprecedented challenges. From January to October 2013, Mr. Sato was a member of the Abe Cabinet's Industrial Competitiveness Council, where he was involved in developing the Japan Revitalization Strategy as part of the third arrow of Abenomics.

Mr. Sato graduated from the University of Tokyo in 1976 with a major in Economics.