Alexandra Melillo is a Senior Associate at The Asia Group, where she supports the firm’s Japan portfolio. Alex provides clients with detailed research and analysis on market and regulatory trends in key industries in Japan, focusing on the Japanese pharmaceutical and healthcare industry, as well as manufacturing and the digital economy. Alex also supports clients in crafting their Japan-focused business and advocacy strategies and offers comprehensive insights on Japan’s political landscape, with a focus on the U.S.-Japan bilateral relationship.
Prior to joining The Asia Group, Alex worked at the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ) as the External Affairs Coordinator for U.S. Government Affairs. In this capacity, Alex gained a nuanced understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities businesses face in Japan. She developed and managed strategic relationships with private and public stakeholders and supported the Chamber’s advocacy for policy changes in Japan’s business environment. Alex also regularly facilitated briefings with U.S.-Japan business leaders, thought leaders, and policy makers to ensure American business had a voice in policy discussions.
As an ACCJ Fellow, Alex investigated Japan’s healthcare and corporate governance policies, drafting reports that were used in the ACCJ’s 2017 Third Arrow of Abenomics: A Portrait of Evolving Change. Prior to her time at the ACCJ, Alex also worked as an Assistant Language Teacher and Regional Representative in Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture for the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program from 2012-2015.
Alex graduated from Saint Michael’s College, magna cum laude, with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and minors in East Asian studies and international relations. She studied advanced Japanese at the Stanford Inter-University Center for Japanese Language Studies and completed a separate year-long immersion program at Musashi University. Currently, Alex is studying part-time at the George Washington University’s Elliot School of International Affairs towards a master’s in international policy.
In her spare time, Alex volunteers as vice president of the JET Alumni Board of DC (JETAADC), supporting activities to connect JET alumni in the DMV area, and with Operation Enduring Warrior (OEW), a veteran-founded non-profit. She can also be found outside or in a gym training for her next marathon or obstacle course race.