The 2025 Women Leaders in Consulting: Ayaka Nakamura

A Director with Kearney Japan, Ayaka Nakamura specializes in marketing, branding strategy, and organizational transformation for consumer goods companies. Her recent work centers on enabling Japanese companies to capture international market share and driving complex organizational and talent development initiatives. She has led cross-border projects, including a China market strategy for a major beverage client, a global alcohol beverage playbook spanning Australia, the U.S., and Japan and co-developing executive training on new business incubation. Ayaka also founded Kearney’s CSO Roundtable in Japan, bringing together senior executives from diverse sectors for confidential, cross-industry dialogue.

Beyond consulting, she lectures on marketing and business strategy at GLOBIS Management School. A finalist of the 2024 Social Impact Catalyst Fund, Ayaka received US$6,000 to advance her work on well-being and ‘ikigai-driven’ workplace models. Part of this involved facilitating an event with 40+ participants, including presidents, from 25 regional banks in Japan, highlighting the importance of designing environments focused on employee well-being. Recognized with Kearney’s 2023 Values Award for Generosity, Ayaka is known for her collaborative leadership and positive influence within the firm. Her philosophy centers on building purpose-driven communities - where people thrive, empower one another, and create enduring impact across borders and cultures.