In this edition of the “Professionals” Series that delves into the exceptional talents working in the PayPay group, we introduce Yoshihiro Utsuki, leader of the Data Governance Team in the Legal & Risk Group. We interviewed him about his journey to joining PayPay, the rewards of his work, and the principles he holds dear in his professional life.
Yoshihiro Utsuki
Leader, Data Governance, Data Strategy Department, Legal & Risk Group
With a background in data governance at a major telecommunications company and experience as a consultant at an audit firm, Utsuki-san joined PayPay in January 2022. By April of the same year, he was appointed leader of the CBPR certification project, contributing to PayPay becoming the first domestic fund transfer operator to achieve this certification in just five months.
Mastering Data Governance at PayPay
Can you tell us about your career and what led you to join PayPay?
I started my career in service planning at a major telecommunications company, but my journey into data began when I applied for an internal opening in a newly established data utilization team. It was my extensive experience in data management and governance there that made me aspire to become a professional in data governance.
To further pursue my career as an expert in the field, I transitioned to consulting at an audit firm where I handled various projects. While this broad experience helped me grow, I began to feel a disconnect between my aspirations and the projects I was assigned, as not all assignments involved data governance.
It was then that I started to look for data governance roles within business companies and came across an opening at PayPay, which led to my joining.
Can you describe the mission and responsibilities of your team?
Data governance involves both privacy protection and data utilization. Our mission is to enhance and improve data governance across the company, balancing both defensive and offensive roles. My department specializes in “defensive measures for offensive purposes,” overseeing everything from strategic planning to promotion in operations.
When new services or cross-group projects are planned, we often collaborate with various departments to address data governance-related issues. For example, when PayPay partners with a foreign company, we establish rules for cross-border data transfers and personal information handling, ensuring proper data protection. Another key role is to explain to and assure relevant stakeholders that data governance is properly functioning.
Recently, the number of inquiries about data utilization within the company has significantly increased. With data-driven thinking becoming more prevalent across the company, the demand for our expertise has grown, with consultations coming from teams across the company, including marketing, HR, and CS. Whenever a new service is released, we are almost always involved.
Tackling Cross-Border Data Protection
What projects are particularly memorable?
The CBPR (APEC’s Cross-Border Privacy Rules) certification project is the most memorable, as I shared in a previous interview. This project enhanced my governance-related skills, and I was able to gain a global perspective as well as insights into how third-party institutions operate.
Currently, the CBPR framework is limited to APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) countries, but there are moves towards globalization, such as the 2022 declaration to establish a Global CBPR Forum. If the global CBPR framework is officially launched, PayPay may also take on this challenge. It’s an evolving field, and I look forward to its future developments.
A project launched in April 2022 to acquire the CBPR certification, providing for cross-border privacy rules, a rare challenge for a company to take up in its fourth year of establishment.
Internal regulations for personal information protection were established within three months, and dozens of documents were submitted as evidence in the screening process. The certification was granted about five months later, after remote and on-site inspections, making PayPay the first fund transfer operator in Japan to be certified. There are just four companies in the country that are currently certified (according to JIPDEC’s website).
What aspects of your job do you find most rewarding?
PayPay is a group of experts, with each member empowered to make decisions by themselves. Everyone is proactive in achieving business goals, which facilitates coordination of various initiatives.
The environment here allows for challenges and teamwork, which is very appealing, as I also shared in the previous interview. Frequently interacting with various departments, I consistently feel the professionalism and strong commitment to business growth from every person I work with.
Can you tell us about the atmosphere of the team and its members?
It’s easy for anyone to voice their opinion or seek advice. Discussions are equally as easy to have, and we actively communicate online through morning sync-ups, 1-on-1s, and other regular meetings. As a result, each member takes ownership of their role and carries out their work with high morale.
Working at PayPay is a Dream Come True
What do you value most in your work?
I strongly adhere to “Be Sincere To Be Professional,” one of the 5 senses defined as PayPay’s guiding principles. While it’s essential to consider others’ opinions, it’s equally important to approach discussions with your own professional viewpoint. I strive to be someone who thinks independently and proactively seeks improvement, rather than doing things only after receiving instructions, and I want to work with like-minded individuals.
What are your future goals and vision?
My goal remains to become an expert in data governance, no different from my aspiration when joining the company, and to promote PayPay’s growth from this field.
As a team, we have many aspirations, particularly in advancing data utilization across the PayPay group and enhancing data governance in terms of technology and legal compliance. With rising awareness of data protection, we need to build a system that ensures data safety and satisfaction for our customers.
A message to readers
Working in data governance at a rapidly growing company like PayPay is a dream come true for a data specialist like me. Such a favorable environment is rare.
If you are passionate about honing your governance skills and growing in this field, we would love to have you join us.
Current job openings
*Job openings and employee affiliations are current as of the time of the interview.