SMBC Group Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

SMBC Group has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, finance, and risk management.

Driven by a commitment to financial excellence, SMBC Group provides comprehensive banking and financial solutions globally, impacting diverse markets through its extensive international network and digital service offerings.

Leadership Roles at SMBC Group

  • Chief Executive Officer - Sato Akihiro
  • Deputy Chief Executive Officer - Nizar Faisal
  • MD, President - President and Chief Executive Officer, SMDAM Tokyo Executive Officer - Tsuyoshi Niijima
  • Chief of Staff & Head Chief Executive Officer, Office of The, Division (Americas) - Takashi Murata
  • Chief Financial Officer V, Smbc Aero Engine Lease B - Koji Ueda
  • Chief Operating Officer - Gregory Keeley
  • MD and Chief Operating Officer - Chief Operating Officer, Risk Management - Sarah Swammy
  • To The Corporate & Infrastructure Technology Ctos Chief of Staff - Stephen Scheremeta
  • Chief Information Officer, Nikko & Capital Markets - Kevin Kennedy
  • Chief Risk Officer & Chief Revenue Officer, Smbc Capital Markets & Smbc Nikko Securities America - Sangjoon Kim
  • Sato Akihiro - Chief Executive Officer

    Sato Akihiro, the Chief Executive Officer at SMBC Group, directs the overarching corporate strategy and global operations. Akihiro's leadership ensures the cohesive execution of the company's mission to provide comprehensive banking, investment, and financial solutions across Asia, Europe, North America, and the Middle East. This executive guides the organization's expansion and maintains its significant presence in key international markets. The strategic vision set by Sato Akihiro underpins the company's approach to both traditional banking and its advanced mobile and digital financial services. Akihiro's role is central to driving the financial performance and market impact of SMBC Group on a global scale. The Chief Executive Officer's directives shape the company's engagement with businesses and individuals worldwide, reinforcing its position as a major player in the banking industry.

    Nizar Faisal - Deputy Chief Executive Officer

    Nizar Faisal, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer at SMBC Group, supports the Chief Executive Officer in executing global strategy and managing extensive international operations. Faisal's responsibilities include overseeing key business units and ensuring the seamless integration of financial services across diverse regions such as Asia, Europe, and North America. This executive plays a critical part in maintaining SMBC Group's robust presence in countries like Singapore, China, India, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and the United States. Nizar Faisal's focus extends to enhancing the delivery of both traditional banking services and innovative digital financial solutions. The Deputy Chief Executive Officer's efforts are vital for driving operational efficiency and expanding market reach, directly contributing to the company's standing as a leading global financial institution.

    Tsuyoshi Niijima - MD, President - President and Chief Executive Officer, SMDAM Tokyo Executive Officer

    Tsuyoshi Niijima, the MD, President - President and Chief Executive Officer, SMDAM Tokyo Executive Officer at SMBC Group, spearheads critical executive functions within the Tokyo operations. Niijima's leadership is focused on driving the strategic direction and operational excellence of SMBC Asset Management Division (SMDAM) in Tokyo, ensuring alignment with the broader SMBC Group's global objectives. This executive oversees the development and implementation of advanced financial solutions tailored for the Japanese market and beyond. Tsuyoshi Niijima's role involves managing key relationships and fostering innovation within the asset management sector. The President and Chief Executive Officer's commitment to robust financial services supports the company's extensive international network and its provision of comprehensive banking and investment solutions across multiple regions.

    Takashi Murata - Chief of Staff & Head Chief Executive Officer, Office of The, Division (Americas)

    Takashi Murata, the Chief of Staff & Head Chief Executive Officer, Office of The, Division (Americas) at SMBC Group, provides strategic support and operational leadership for the Americas division. Murata's responsibilities include coordinating executive initiatives, managing key projects, and ensuring the effective functioning of the CEO's office within the region. This executive plays a crucial role in aligning the Americas operations with SMBC Group's global strategy, facilitating communication and driving key business objectives across North America. Takashi Murata's efforts are instrumental in enhancing the company's presence and service delivery in this vital market. The Chief of Staff's strategic oversight supports the delivery of comprehensive banking and financial solutions to businesses and individuals throughout the Americas.

    Koji Ueda - Chief Financial Officer V, Smbc Aero Engine Lease B

    Koji Ueda, the Chief Financial Officer V, Smbc Aero Engine Lease B at SMBC Group, manages critical financial operations and strategic fiscal planning. Ueda's role involves overseeing the financial health and performance of specific business units, including those related to aviation finance, ensuring robust fiscal management. This executive is responsible for financial reporting, budgeting, and investment analysis, directly supporting SMBC Group's comprehensive range of financial solutions. Koji Ueda's expertise is vital for navigating complex financial markets and ensuring compliance across international operations in regions like Asia, Europe, and North America. The Chief Financial Officer's strategic financial guidance underpins the company's stability and its capacity for sustained growth in the global banking industry.

    Gregory Keeley - Chief Operating Officer

    Gregory Keeley, the Chief Operating Officer at SMBC Group, directs the operational framework supporting the company's global financial services. Keeley's oversight encompasses the efficiency and effectiveness of daily operations across SMBC Group's extensive international network, including significant presence in Asia, Europe, North America, and the Middle East. This executive ensures that traditional banking operations and digital financial services function cohesively to meet client needs. Gregory Keeley's responsibilities involve optimizing processes to enhance service delivery and support the company's strategic growth initiatives. The Chief Operating Officer's focus on operational excellence is crucial for maintaining SMBC Group's competitive edge and its ability to provide a comprehensive range of banking and investment solutions worldwide.
    Gregory Keeley

    Sarah Swammy - MD and Chief Operating Officer - Chief Operating Officer, Risk Management

    Sarah Swammy, the MD and Chief Operating Officer - Chief Operating Officer, Risk Management at SMBC Group, directs the operational aspects of the company's risk management framework. Swammy's leadership ensures that risk management processes are efficient, effective, and integrated across all business functions, supporting the company's global financial services. This executive oversees the operational execution of risk mitigation strategies, contributing to the stability and integrity of SMBC Group's operations in Asia, Europe, North America, and the Middle East. Sarah Swammy's focus on operational excellence within risk management is critical for safeguarding the company's assets and reputation. The Chief Operating Officer's dedication enhances the robustness of SMBC Group's comprehensive banking and investment solutions.

    Stephen Scheremeta - To The Corporate & Infrastructure Technology Ctos Chief of Staff

    Stephen Scheremeta, the To The Corporate & Infrastructure Technology Ctos Chief of Staff at SMBC Group, facilitates strategic initiatives and operational alignment within the technology divisions. Scheremeta's position involves supporting the Chief Technology Officers in executing technology roadmaps and ensuring the efficient deployment of infrastructure solutions across the organization's global footprint. This executive plays a key part in bridging communication between technology leadership and broader business objectives, ensuring that digital financial services and mobile banking applications align with corporate strategy. Stephen Scheremeta's contributions are essential for driving technological innovation and operational efficiency, supporting SMBC Group's extensive international network and its commitment to providing advanced financial services.

    Kevin Kennedy - Chief Information Officer, Nikko & Capital Markets

    Kevin Kennedy, the Chief Information Officer, Nikko & Capital Markets at SMBC Group, leads the technology strategy and implementation for critical capital markets operations. Kennedy's purview includes overseeing the information systems that support SMBC Nikko Securities America and other capital markets entities, ensuring robust and secure technological infrastructure. This executive drives innovation in technology solutions to enhance trading platforms, data analytics, and client services within these specialized financial sectors. Kevin Kennedy's role is pivotal in maintaining SMBC Group's competitive advantage through advanced technology, supporting its comprehensive financial solutions across North America and other key global markets. The Chief Information Officer's focus ensures operational resilience and technological advancement.

    Sangjoon Kim - Chief Risk Officer & Chief Revenue Officer, Smbc Capital Markets & Smbc Nikko Securities America

    Sangjoon Kim, the Chief Risk Officer & Chief Revenue Officer, Smbc Capital Markets & Smbc Nikko Securities America at SMBC Group, holds dual responsibility for managing financial risk and driving revenue growth within key capital markets divisions. Kim's strategic oversight ensures that risk management practices are robust and aligned with business objectives, while simultaneously spearheading initiatives to expand revenue streams in capital markets and securities operations. This executive's dual focus is critical for balancing prudent financial management with aggressive market expansion across North America and other global territories. Sangjoon Kim's leadership is vital for enhancing SMBC Group's profitability and market position. The Chief Risk Officer & Chief Revenue Officer's expertise supports the company's comprehensive financial solutions and its extensive international network.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Banking

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding SMBC Group Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads SMBC Group?
    SMBC Group is led by Sato Akihiro (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Nizar Faisal (Deputy Chief Executive Officer) and Tsuyoshi Niijima (MD, President - President and Chief Executive Officer, SMDAM Tokyo Executive Officer).
    Who is part of SMBC Group’s executive team?
    The executive team of SMBC Group includes leaders such as Sato Akihiro (Chief Executive Officer), Nizar Faisal (Deputy Chief Executive Officer), Tsuyoshi Niijima (MD, President - President and Chief Executive Officer, SMDAM Tokyo Executive Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does SMBC Group have?
    SMBC Group has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in SMBC Group’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of SMBC Group includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, MD, President - President and Chief Executive Officer, SMDAM Tokyo Executive Officer, Chief of Staff & Head Chief Executive Officer, Office of The, Division (Americas), Chief Financial Officer V, Smbc Aero Engine Lease B.