Stephen L. Irish, Ph.D.
- Managing Partner, Japan
+81 80 5033 2091
sirish@boyden.com
Certifications: 
Stephen Irish has lived in Japan for over 25 years and focused on executive search in the healthcare and life sciences sector for the past 20. Through his rich experience in the Japanese healthcare market and technical understanding, he is able to quickly understand client needs and formulate effective search strategies for identifying and recruiting top-tier candidates for leadership roles.
Professional Focus
- Healthcare and life sciences specialist with 20 years’ experience in executive search
- In-depth industry expertise spanning pharmaceuticals, medical devices, diagnostics, healthcare consulting and services, and other industries within the healthcare and life sciences sector
- Track record of success in filling mission-critical roles at the executive level
- Substantial experience working with multinational organizations starting up or expanding operations in Japan and across APAC, including Singapore, China, Hong Kong, Vietnam, India, Thailand and Philippines
- Extensive network amongst senior executives in Japan, APAC and global headquarters
- Native English, fluent in Japanese
Business Expertise
- Sr. Director, Healthcare & Life Sciences, Japan and Regional Practice Head - Asia Pacific, Healthcare & Life Sciences at an executive search firm focused on multinational organizations in Japan; prior roles included Sr. Director, Healthcare & Life Sciences and Industrial & Manufacturing
- Japan Manager, Healthcare Practice at an executive search firm and HR consulting firm in Tokyo; prior roles included Team Leader, Contingency Search Team and Consultant, Professional Staffing
- Earlier roles in quality control and research & development at leading food and chemical company Kewpie Corporation in Tokyo
Practice Memberships
Global Industry Practices
- Healthcare & Life Sciences
Additional Expertise
- Pharmaceuticals
- Medical Devices
- Diagnostics
- Healthcare Consulting
Education & Certifications
- Ph.D. in general experimental psychology from Texas Christian University, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience
- Master’s degree in general psychology from Texas Christian University, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience
- Bachelor’s degree in psychology from Southern Methodist University
Affiliations & Awards
- Japan Chair & Council Member, AESC Council of Asia Pacific and the Middle East
- Member, Pharma Delegates
- Member, American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ)
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