With deep expertise at the intersection of digital technology, organizational transformation, and talent development, Katsura Ito has led organizational reform across both the private and public sectors. Spanning global corporations and Japan’s central government, her career has been dedicated to transforming people and organizations through leadership, innovation, and talent development.
She began her career at IBM Japan before joining Adobe Systems, where she worked as a systems engineer and in marketing. In 2011, she joined Microsoft Japan and was appointed Executive Officer in 2013. She was subsequently promoted to Managing Executive Officer and Head of the Customer Success Division in 2017. In 2019, she assumed the role of Chief Learning Officer, leading digital talent development initiatives both within the company and across broader industry and society.
In April 2022, she was appointed by the Cabinet as a Commissioner of Japan’s National Personnel Authority, where she served until completing her term in 2026.
Beyond her professional career, she is a passionate sake enthusiast and holds several prestigious sake-related certifications, including the SAKE Diploma from the Japan Sommelier Association, International Kikisake-shi (Sake Sommelier), and the WSET Level 3 Award in Sake.