Baker McKenzie Hires Senior Japan’s Fair Trade Commission Official

Baker & McKenzie  has onboarded Shuichi Sugahisa, former secretary general of the Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC), as a senior consultant in the firm’s antitrust and competition group effective 16 August.

Sugahisa has around 40 years of experience in competition law practice and policy, having joined JFTC in 1983. He worked on several regulatory reforms throughout his career, but most notable was his instrumental role in strengthening the implementation of JFTC’s Antimonopoly Act.

During his tenure, Sugahisa had assumed varied positions, including director general of the Trade Practices Department in 2016, director general of the Economic Affairs Bureau in 2017 and secretary general of the JFTC in 2020. He also involved himself in major legislative and enforcement initiatives.

“Competition law enforcement is being strengthened and legal systems are being revised around the world. It is extremely important for Japanese companies operating global businesses to keep abreast of the latest information in a comprehensive and holistic manner,” said Akifusa Takada, co-managing partner of Baker McKenzie’s Tokyo office. “We’re confident that the addition of Shuichi — a leading expert in this field in Japan — when combined with Baker McKenzie’s unparalleled global antitrust and competition law group, will form a uniquely strong service offering for our clients.”

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