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Q&A

Daisuke Yamaguchi

Job Description : Reserch Analyst (Lifestyle)
Business : Citi Investment Research & Analysis
Year of Entry : 2001

What do you like most about the people you work with at Citigroup Global Markets Japan?
Citigroup Global Markets Japan is one of the only securities firms in Japan that can boast about its number of top class analysts in different industries. To be a good analyst, you must not only gain the trust of investors (i.e. clients) that you provide investment ideas to, but also the trust of internal Sales partners, management of companies, and other related stakeholders. As such, good analysts are charismatic people and the example they set does not stop at their work, but extends into who they are as people.
How has the global nature of the business affected your work?
I am responsible for the consumer goods industry, and therefore, I have to compare Kao, Shiseido and other related Japanese companies against their European and US-based competitors such as P&G, Unilever and L'Oreal. These overseas-based consumer products manufacturers are very advanced when it comes to M&A, marketing activities, logistics and human resources; areas where Japanese companies have a lot to learn. Actually, several Japanese companies have adopted management styles that are similar to their foreign counterparts, and these are the firms that garner the attention of overseas investors.
In your region, what do you feel is Citigroup Global Markets Japan's competitive edge?
Globalization of the financial world is occurring at a rapid pace. As analysts, we naturally need to look at industry trends domestically and also keep an eye on what is going on around the world. The fact that we are able to place a call or shoot a quick e-mail to our counterparts in the US and London shows that our strength lies in the infrastructure that only a member of the Citi can access. There is no doubt in my mind that the globalization of the financial world will further boost the firm's position in the industry.
Do you have words of advice for incoming candidates?
This applies not only to our industry, but to everything in general. Sometimes "what you want to do" may not match up to "what you are good at doing." During your career search, you will probably face this dilemma at some point. When you do get to such a point, I recommend that you make "what you want to do" as the top priority. Challenging yourself to do something that is difficult will make every day more interesting.

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