Episode #27: Martin Spann, Japan Country Head, Commonwealth Bank

Originally from Australia, Martin Spann graduated from Bond University in 1991 with a major in Finance. He first arrived in Japan in 1993 and got his first job in the bank industry as a futures and options broker. Having gone back to Australia but continuing to study the Japanese language, Mr Spann soon found himself back in Japan with a leadership opportunity with the Japanese Government Bond Repo. Mr Spann joined his current company, the Commonwealth Bank, in 2010 where he became Country Head of Japan. In addition to this achievement, Mr Spann is also a member of the Australia and New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in Japan.

Through his 20+ years of industry and Japanese experience, Mr Spann delves into the challenges and success he faced leading in a country that can often be difficult to foreigners. Emphasising the importance of good communication and accepting Japanese culture, Mr Spann explains his style of management and why it is imperative to learn the Japanese language. Furthermore, Mr Spann gives fantastic advice for anyone who is thinking of leading and managing in Japan.