Announcement from CriticalEye:

Current Independent Audit and Supervisory Board Member at Toyota, Catherine O’Connell, has become a Criticaleye Board Mentor. Based in Japan, Catherine’s extensive experience further strengthens Criticaleye's regional capabilities, complementing our global network of over 90 Board Mentors who offer support to Executive Members worldwide.

As Toyota's inaugural foreign female independent Board Member, Catherine played a pivotal role in overseeing financial statements and ensuring compliance with legal regulations.

Over the past two decades, Catherine has been driving legal capabilities for Western and local multinationals in Japan, including Molex, Mitsubishi and Panasonic. Her experience leading the implementation of governance systems and providing strategic compliance guidance has been instrumental in navigating complex regulatory landscapes.

Catherine led the development of innovative outsourcing strategies that resulted in a significant doubling of revenue. Her entrepreneurial ambition was demonstrated with the establishment of Tokyo's first solo law firm by a foreign woman, marking another significant milestone in her illustrious career.

With a wealth of experience in corporate law, Catherine brings a unique blend of coaching and mentoring skills to her role at Criticaleye. Providing invaluable guidance and insights to clients, both locally and internationally, her extensive career spans both executive and non-executive roles, uniquely positioning Catherine to drive organisational success and foster cross-cultural development within multinational corporations.

Charlie Wagstaff FCIPD, Managing Director, Criticaleye comments: “We are delighted to welcome Catherine as a Board Mentor. With her extensive background as an independent audit and supervisory Board Member, Catherine enriches our Community with invaluable insights and expertise, further solidifying our commitment to providing our global Members with access to exceptional talent and knowledge in the APAC region.”

In addition to her current roles, Catherine's plural career has seen her contribute significantly to organisations such as Women in Law Japan, American Chamber of Commerce in Japan, and Australian and New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in Japan.

Catherine comments: “Understanding the profound impact of mentorship on professional growth, I am honoured to step into the role of Board Mentor at Criticaleye. Mentoring has played a pivotal role in shaping my own career. I am excited to embark on this journey with the Criticaleye Community, dedicated to empowering Executive Members to reach new heights in their professional endeavours.”