Akihiro Tsuchiya is a senior advisor at The Asia Group, based in Japan. A former senior official at Japan’s Ministry of Finance (MOF), he brings over three decades of leadership experience in international finance, economic security, and macroeconomic policy. Before joining The Asia Group in January 2026, he served as Director-General of MOF’s International Bureau […]
Akihiro (Aki) Kawai is a Principal at The Asia Group (TAG), where he focuses on the firm’s defense and national security portfolio. Drawing on over 30 years of experience in the Japanese defense industry, Aki supports defense clients’ business objectives in Japan, helping them to develop engagement strategies and to advance business development opportunities and expand market access.
Valerie Knobelsdorf is a Vice President in the Defense & National Security Practice at The Asia Group (TAG). Ms. Knobelsdorf brings over fifteen years of government and legal experience to TAG, with deep expertise in Indo-Pacific security affairs, technology policy, and international diplomacy. Most recently, she served as an Acting Director for the Office of
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Yuki Kurihara is an Associate with The Asia Group based in Tokyo. Yuki provides thoughtful analysis of geopolitical and security policy trends in the Indo-Pacific region, especially on Japan’s evolving defense policy, to assist client success in the Japanese market. Prior to joining The Asia Group, Yuki worked in London at the International Institute for Strategic
Jaehyoung Ju is a Korea Analyst at The Asia Group where he conducts in-depth research and nuanced analysis on the political, economic, and security dynamics of the Korean Peninsula. Prior to joining TAG, Jaehyoung was a research assistant for the Special Competitive Studies Project, focusing on emerging technologies and their impact on defense strategy in
Kendall is an Associate with The Asia Group’s Defense & National Security Practice, where she provides strategic analysis of geopolitical trends and industry developments to support defense clients seeking to expand into markets across the Indo-Pacific. She also directly supports The Asia Group’s Indo-Pacific Defense Incubator (IPDI) initiative, helping to connect emerging U.S. and allied defense technology
Kate Canavan is an Associate with the Defense and National Security Practice, where she advises defense and aerospace companies on navigating complex policy environments to advance commercial success in the Indo-Pacific region. She brings expertise in geopolitical trends, international trade, and regulatory issues affecting the defense industry—which she developed through her work supporting senior U.S.
Leah Hammond is an Associate Vice President in the GeoCommercial Strategy Group at The Asia Group (TAG), where she partners directly with the Chairman to drive key strategic initiatives across the firm. She advises clients on geopolitical, economic, and regulatory developments across the Indo-Pacific, offering strategic insights into regional risks and opportunities. Before joining TAG, Leah served
Sung Young Jang is an Associate at The Asia Group, where he analyzes complex geopolitical and geoeconomic dynamics and provides actionable insights to support clients navigating South Korea’s evolving policy and market landscape. Based in the Seoul office, Sung Young brings deep expertise in Northeast Asia’s political and economic environment, with a focus on regulatory
Kristina is a Senior Associate in The Asia Group’s Australia practice where she plays a key role in client development and strategy execution on Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific. Based in Canberra, Kristina uses her government policy experience and knowledge of the Indo-Pacific to support policy-driven engagement strategies and to monitor political, economic, and
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