Elizabeth Masamune PSM
Board MemberBased in Tokyo, Elizabeth Masamune PSM GAICD has more than 25 years’ experience living and working in Asia. A fluent Japanese linguist, she is a former Australian trade envoy and diplomat.
Elizabeth currently serves as the Managing Director of @Asia Associates Japan, a Tokyo-based advisory firm specialising in cross-cultural communication, leadership and development, and diversity.
Background
Elizabeth serves on several Japanese Boards and Steering Committees. She is a Non-Executive Director of two Japanese TSX-listed firms, The Faith Group Inc, in music and entertainment, and Osaka-based Arakawa Chemical Industries. She is also a director of Advangen Ltd, the Japanese subsidiary of ASX-listed biotechnology firm, Cellmid.
As part of her commitment to the development of the next generation of global human resources, Elizabeth acts as Senior Executive Advisor to the Pasona Group Inc, and occupies a pivotal role as Senior Managing Director of the Pasona-sponsored Awaji Youth Federation. Elizabeth was also appointed in 2015 to the Management Advisory Board of Chiba University, and acts as an advisor to its Institute for Excellence in Educational Innovation.
Prior to her relocation to Japan in 2015, Elizabeth enjoyed a long career spanning 25 years with the Australian Trade Commission, serving at key diplomatic missions as a Senior Trade Envoy in Japan, Indonesia, Vietnam and Korea. In 2006, she was awarded the Public Service Medal (PSM) for advancing the interests of Australian business in Asian markets.
Elizabeth holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) from Monash University, and a Master of Literary Studies from Queensland University. She is a qualified simultaneous interpreter and translator of Japanese and has proficiency in several other Asian languages. She is also a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Elizabeth is married to Japanese graphic designer Toshiaki Masamune. She enjoys ikebana, Japanese cuisine and is an ardent cat-lover.