Lloyd’s Register (LR) has announced the appointment of Jim Smith as its new Strategic Business Partner and Senior Representative in Japan.
In this role, Jim Smith will draw on his experience to drive mutual growth and economic success for LR and its clients. He will also represent LR externally in Japan, collaborating closely with clients to provide tailored solutions that address their specific business requirements.
Commenting on his new role, Smith said: “I am excited to bring a globally experienced senior presence to Japan, connecting LR customers with our extensive network of capabilities and expertise. Collaborating with Kikuchi-san, we aim to provide bespoke LR expertise to our valued Japanese clients.”
Supporting Smith in this endeavour, Hiromitsu Kikuchi-san, who has been named Deputy Senior Representative, will focus on strengthening relationships within Japan, particularly with shipyards, shipowners, managers, and equipment manufacturers.
Jim Smith brings nearly 30 years of experience with LR, having joined the organization in 1995. He has held various technical and managerial positions across Asia, including Japan, and served as Regional Director for North Asia from 2015 to 2018. More recently, he was Global Classification Manager (2018–2023) and In-Service Product Manager (2023–2024).
Kikuchi-san has been with LR since 2006, starting as a field surveyor in Yokohama and Nagasaki. Between 2018 and 2023, he worked as an Account Manager for Japanese clients, and since 2023 he has served as Commercial Manager and Deputy Senior Representative for Japan.
Andrew McKeran, Chief Commercial Officer of LR, stated: “This strategic appointment highlights LR’s dedication to investing in major shipowners and shipyards in Japan. It signals that LR is committed to continuing to provide unparalleled support and solutions that drive performance and innovation within the maritime sector.”
