OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN A CHOSEN PROFESSION

Awarded to an alumnus or alumna whose professional accomplishments and achievements are exceptionally noteworthy and distinctive in her or her profession

Takeo Shiina, Class of 1953, graduated with a BS degree in mechanical engineering.  A native Japanese, his decision to attend Bucknell foreshadowed his future in which he expanded beyond his roots to become an outstanding business executive, a visionary global thinker and leader, and a moving force in contributing to Japan's transformation to one of the most highly productive players on the world economic stage.

Shiina-san -- or "Tak" as he is known by his friends -- earned a BS degree in mechanical engineering from Keio University in Japan before coming to Lewisburg.

After graduating from Bucknell, Shiina-san returned to Japan and joined IBM, where over the next 22 years, he rose through the ranks to assume executive positions in manufacturing, human resources, marketing and corporate headquarters, ultimately being elected President in 1975 and Chairman in 1993.  He was named Chairman of the Advisory Board to IBM Japan in 1999 and after termination of the Board, he was named Executive Advisor in 2007.

He led IBM's largest and most successful business outside the United States for 18 years, growing the subsidiary to more than 20,000 employees with revenues of nearly $10 billion.  Under his leadership, IBM Japan was ranked among the "most admired" companies in Japan -- very unusual for a foreign-owned company -- and had the highest customer satisfaction of all its competitors. 

Respected by his contemporaries in Japan and the international business community, Shiina-san is a man of the highest character who led his company with great integrity.  He spoke out publicly in favor of gender equality—quite avant-garde in the Japanese culture at that time.  He was also vocal about the importance of ethics in business.

His experience at Bucknell helped prepare Shiina-san to effectively cross the cultural and country boundaries between Japan and a multinational company.  He has represented the business community on many issues, earning respect for his ability to understand both global and Japanese concerns, in a way that could solve problems and help move Japanese society forward.  He was the first Chairman of the Government’s Deregulation Committee reporting directly to the Prime Minister when it is created in 1995.  Also he formulated recommendations that led to the advancement of the country’s telecommunications policy.

Shiina-san contributed to the development of Japan’s Information Technology industry and the government’s Information Technology policy, while also helping guide Japan's transition to the Year 2000 as Chairman of Japan's Y2K Advisory Council.

As a result of his leadership on public policy issues, Shiina-san has received numerous prestigious awards.  He was presented The Grand Cordon of the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Japan's highest decoration, by the Emperor in 2000.  The Prime Minister of Japan recognized Shiina-san's contributions to his country's international trade policy development with another significant award in 1994.

Among his many corporate and civic affiliations, Shiina-san holds positions as Trustee Emeritus, Japan Association of Corporate Executives, and is Vice Chairman of the Japan Productivity Center for Socioeconomic Development. He serves on three corporate boards and is councilor and trustee of Keio University.

Back at Bucknell, in 1991, together with Dr. David Lu, East Asian Studies chair, he worked to develop the highly successful Bucknell-IBM Summer Institute for Japanese Executives.  In 1992, as a sign of appreciation for the success of the Summer Institute, Shiina-san arranged for IBM to donate the two dozen Kwanzan cherry trees that outline Bucknell's academic quad.

It is with great pleasure that the Bucknell University Alumni Association honors Takeo Shiina ’53 with its Award for Outstanding Achievement in a Chosen Profession.