Yasushi-Momose
Yasushi Momose (1955-2016)

Yasushi Momose passed away on March 13, 2016 in Japan at the young age 61, following a decade-long battle with cancer.

A pioneer and non-conformist, a rarity in Japan, Mr. Momose pushed the envelope with considerable success, relaying on his unique international perspective, uncanny diplomacy, and finesse and management skills.

Mr. Momose had a distinguished career in public service and in the later phase of his career, in the private sector.

Momose is credited for orchestrating the market entry by the Japan Bank for International cooperation (JBIC) into the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, which in turn facilitated over $50 billion of investment for Japanese trading, utility, manufacturing and chemical companies in the region.  Momose was responsible for JBIC’s first debt financing estimated at $1.3 billion provided to a consortium of Japanese, Malaysian and US companies to develop, finance, construct, operate and own the Taweelah B independent power generation and water desalination project Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.  The project was awarded to the consortium in a competitive bid at a cost of $3.4 billion and was JBIC’s first project financing in the GCC region.

A graduate of Keio University in Japan, Mr. Momose started his career at the Export-Import Bank of Japan and in became Director General of the Project Finance Department at JBIC.

His highly distinguished career includes service in the following capacities:

  • Deputy Director, Loan Department III, North and Latin America, Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) (1988-1993)
  • Director, Loan Department IV, Resource Development Finance, JBIC (1993-2001)
  • Deputy Director General, International Finance Policy Department, JBIC (2001-2002)
  • Director General, Project Finance Department, JBIC (2002-2004)
  • Managing Director, Japan Institute for Overseas Investment (2004-2006)
  • Resident Executive Director for the Americas (NY), JBIC (2006-2010)
  • Executive Officer, JGC Corporation (2010-2016)

Mr. Momose also supported many worthy charitable and nonprofit initiatives, including but not limited to, the Japan Task Force (Akanonbo) in which he played a leading role both as a founder and member of its panel of distinguished experts.

Despite his sever illness, he continued with his working assignments at JGC until the very end, demonstrating his strong sense of responsibility.