Hiroko Ochi is Section Manager of the Compliance Department at the Legal Center of Panasonic Energy Co., Ltd. In this episode, Catherine O'Connell, herself a former Panasonic alumna, traces Hiroko's remarkable journey across Ricoh, JCOM, Sumitomo Corporation, Persol Holdings, and now Panasonic Energy. Hiroko's career is one of relentless curiosity, systems thinking, and the deep belief that legal and business are always one team. If you are contemplating a change in industry, listen in to hear how Hiroko did it.
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In this episode you’ll hear:
Why Hiroko chose to work as an in-house legal counsel from day one
How Hiroko navigated several changes of industry
Her “three-part risk framework” that has guided every in-house decision
Her favourite book and other fun facts
About Hiroko
Hiroko Ochi began her legal career at Ricoh Company, Ltd. in 2006, where she handled a broad range of corporate legal matters, including contract review, business legal support, corporate reorganizations, and new business development.
She subsequently worked at Jupiter Telecommunications Co., Ltd. (now J:COM., Ltd.) and was seconded to Sumitomo Corporation, where she gained extensive experience in domestic and cross-border transactions, including M&A, venture capital investments, and corporate restructuring.
She later joined PERSOL HOLDINGS CO., LTD., advising on domestic and international M&A and venture investment transactions, as well as corporate sustainability initiatives, business and human rights, and personal data protection.
Since April 2026, she has served as Section Manager of the Compliance Department at the Legal Center of Panasonic Energy Co., Ltd. Drawing on her legal experience across the manufacturing, telecommunications and media, trading, and human resources services industries, she focuses on strengthening legal and compliance frameworks in collaboration with business teams and addressing legal risks associated with global business operations.
Connect with Hiroko
Please contact Catherine to be connected with Hiroko.
Links
Clouds Above the Hill by Ryotaro Shiba: https://a.co/d/07wbRBvV
Connect with Catherine
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/oconnellcatherine/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawyeronair
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