SMBC MANUBANK Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

SMBC MANUBANK has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, and community banking.

Driven by a commitment to fostering growth, SMBC MANUBANK builds better businesses and stronger relationships by deeply understanding the markets and communities it serves, ensuring adaptive strategies for evolving client needs.

Leadership Roles at SMBC MANUBANK

  • Chairman & Chief Executive Officer - Fumihiko Kusakabe
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer - Fred Mirzaian
  • President - Naresh Sheth
  • President - Hidekazu Akimoto
  • President, Community Bank (Rochester) - Thomas Heepke
  • Fumihiko Kusakabe - Chairman & Chief Executive Officer

    Fumihiko Kusakabe, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer at SMBC MANUBANK, directs the overarching corporate strategy and vision. Overseeing global operations, Kusakabe ensures alignment with the company's mission to build better businesses and stronger relationships. This leadership role involves navigating complex market dynamics and fostering an environment of financial strength and stability, drawing upon the rich history of the global Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) Group. By championing client-centric approaches, Fumihiko Kusakabe drives the organization's commitment to understanding specific market needs and adapting strategies to support client success. The Chairman & Chief Executive Officer's focus remains on enhancing value for clients through robust financial practices and sustained market engagement, solidifying SMBC MANUBANK's position as a trusted financial partner.

    Fred Mirzaian - Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

    Fred Mirzaian, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at SMBC MANUBANK, executes the operational framework that supports business growth and client relationships. Mirzaian oversees the day-to-day functions, ensuring seamless integration of services and efficient resource allocation across departments. This critical role involves translating strategic objectives into actionable operational plans, thereby enhancing the company's ability to adapt strategies as client business needs evolve. The Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer drives initiatives that strengthen operational efficiency and client support, directly contributing to the company's reputation for financial stability. By managing the intricate processes that underpin client interactions, Fred Mirzaian ensures that SMBC MANUBANK consistently delivers value and navigates industry-specific challenges effectively, reinforcing the organization's commitment to building stronger relationships.
    Fred Mirzaian

    Naresh Sheth - President

    Naresh Sheth, the President at SMBC MANUBANK, spearheads key strategic initiatives and market development efforts. Sheth focuses on enhancing the company's market presence and expanding its service offerings to meet diverse client requirements. This leadership position involves fostering strong connections that enable adaptive strategies, ensuring SMBC MANUBANK remains responsive to evolving business landscapes. The President's responsibilities include driving innovation in client engagement and operational excellence, contributing significantly to the organization's mission of building better businesses. By championing client success, Naresh Sheth plays a pivotal role in navigating industry-specific challenges and reinforcing the value derived from the Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) Group's financial strength and stability.
    Naresh Sheth

    Hidekazu Akimoto - President

    Hidekazu Akimoto, the President at SMBC MANUBANK, directs critical aspects of the company's strategic direction and financial operations. Akimoto focuses on leveraging the global Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) Group's rich history and financial strength to enhance client value. This role involves overseeing key business units and ensuring their alignment with the overarching mission of building stronger relationships and better businesses. The President's purview includes driving initiatives that support market adaptation and client success, particularly in navigating complex industry-specific challenges. By maintaining robust financial oversight, Hidekazu Akimoto contributes to the stability and growth of SMBC MANUBANK, reinforcing its commitment to understanding and serving the markets and communities it operates within.

    Thomas Heepke - President, Community Bank (Rochester)

    Thomas Heepke, the President, Community Bank (Rochester) at SMBC MANUBANK, leads the strategic development and operational execution for the Rochester community banking division. Heepke focuses on cultivating deep market understanding and strengthening local relationships, ensuring adaptive strategies that meet the specific needs of businesses and individuals in the Rochester area. This leadership role is crucial for navigating industry-specific challenges within the community banking sector and achieving client success. The President, Community Bank (Rochester) drives initiatives that reinforce SMBC MANUBANK's commitment to serving its communities, drawing upon the financial strength and stability of the global Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) Group. By prioritizing client needs and fostering strong connections, Thomas Heepke ensures the Rochester branch contributes significantly to the company's mission of building better businesses and stronger relationships.
    Thomas Heepke

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding SMBC MANUBANK Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads SMBC MANUBANK?
    SMBC MANUBANK is led by Fumihiko Kusakabe (Chairman & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Fred Mirzaian (Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer) and Naresh Sheth (President).
    Who is part of SMBC MANUBANK’s executive team?
    The executive team of SMBC MANUBANK includes leaders such as Fumihiko Kusakabe (Chairman & Chief Executive Officer), Fred Mirzaian (Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer), Naresh Sheth (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does SMBC MANUBANK have?
    SMBC MANUBANK has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in SMBC MANUBANK’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of SMBC MANUBANK includes roles such as Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, President, President, President, Community Bank (Rochester).