NatWest Strengthens Position in Japan with Kei Shibata

As a further commitment to its international customer base, NatWest announces the appointment for a new President and Country Executive in Japan. 

With a narrowed focus on bank’s Japanese franchise, the appointment will strengthen its position in the market as strong ties are formed with clients in the region. 

Kei Shibata brings experience in not only the market but also in forging client relationships.

Kei, incoming President and Country Executive, Japan, NatWest, notes: “I’m honoured to take on this role and continue building on the strong foundation established in Japan. I look forward to working with colleagues across the bank globally to support our clients, deepen relationships and deliver sustainable growth for our business in the region.”

These skills already inform him in his position as the leader of Sales in Japan. 

Subject to regulatory processes, Shibata-san will report to NatWest’s Head of Asia Pacific, Patricio Silva. 

Patricio says: “I’m very pleased to appoint Kei Shibata as President and Country Executive for Japan. 

“Shibata-san has demonstrated strong leadership in our Japan business and built deep relationships with clients and stakeholders. His appointment reiterates our steadfast commitment to Japan and our dedication to being a trusted partner for our global customers.”

The appointment will be effective from 1 July, 2026 and replaces the gap left by retiring colleague Kenji Yamamoto, who leaves after nearly two decades with NatWest.

Patricio continues: “I would also like to thank Kenji Yamamoto for his outstanding contribution and leadership over many years, and wish him every success in his retirement.” 

Yamamoto-san remains at the bank to guide the transition period, ensuring a smooth handover to minimise disruption. 

Japan and the north of England 

The bank is investing in its global strategy, not only with an appointment, but also with strategic regional investment. 

Doubling up on its regional strategy with the latest appointment in Japan, NatWest also recently announced a £20bn (US$26.8bn) investment to support economic growth in the north of England. 

The investment highlights how the bank is committed to local and regional governments, with potential to drive UK economic growth. 

Announced by CEO Paul Thwaite at the Great North Investment Summit, the investment outlines which industries will benefit from the funding in the coming decade. 

Working with housing associations and local partners to accelerate the delivery and performance of existing stock, the bank’s commitment already builds on a £10bn (US$13.4bn) national lending goal of NatWest’s. 

Paul Thwaite, Group CEO of NatWest noted: ““This commitment reflects our confidence in the North as a growth engine for the UK.”

“Our role isn’t just to provide finance, it’s to connect capital with local ambition — working in partnership with combined authorities, business and investment partners to accelerate growth.”

Another focus area includes the energy sector, with aims of supporting clean power generation, energy storage upgrades and energy storage. 

Cementing its commitment to green financing, the bank is also supporting the region’s transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient future.

It will do this through the deployment of renewable technologies including solar, in addition to resilience infrastructure such as flood defences, land regeneration and wastewater systems.