Mitsuko Tottori made history by becoming the first female president and chief executive of Japan Airlines (JAL) in January, marking a significant milestone in a country where women face challenges in climbing the corporate ladder. Tottori, who started her career as a flight attendant at JAL nearly 40 years ago, acknowledges that Japan has a long way to go in increasing the number of female managers and creating a more inclusive workplace environment. She hopes to inspire more women to pursue leadership roles within the company and beyond, emphasizing the importance of women taking an active role in their career development.
Tottori’s background sets her apart from her predecessors, as it is unusual for a former flight attendant to rise to the highest position in a major corporation like JAL. Her promotion to the top job was attributed to her extensive experience in safe flight operations and service throughout her career, as well as her contributions during the Covid-19 pandemic. As she took on her new role amidst challenges such as the aftermath of a fatal collision involving a JAL flight at Haneda airport and ongoing safety concerns with Boeing aircraft, Tottori expressed her commitment to prioritizing safety and maintaining high standards in all aspects of the airline’s operations.
The aviation industry expert, Shukor Yusof, highlighted the importance of safety in the industry and praised Tottori’s experience as a cabin crew member in enhancing safety protocols at JAL. Tottori herself emphasized the significance of adhering to rigorous safety standards, citing past tragedies like the crash of JAL flight 123 as a reminder of the importance of vigilance in ensuring passenger safety. With her unique background and expertise, Tottori aims to build on JAL’s reputation for safety and reliability, further strengthening the company’s position in the competitive aviation market.
Tottori’s appointment comes at a time when Japan is grappling with gender inequality and lack of diversity in top corporate positions. The country ranks poorly on the Global Gender Gap Index, and only a small percentage of senior leadership roles are held by women. Tottori hopes to inspire other women in the industry to pursue leadership roles and believes that her appointment can serve as a source of encouragement for female employees facing challenges in their career advancement. The government has set targets for increasing female representation in senior management positions, but progress has been slow, with cultural barriers and traditional practices hindering gender parity in the workplace.
Despite the challenges, Tottori’s appointment as the CEO of a major Japanese firm is seen as a positive step towards promoting diversity and inclusivity in corporate leadership. Dr. Seijiro Takeshita, a professor of management and information, acknowledges the slow pace of change but believes that Tottori’s non-traditional path to the top role at JAL sends a strong message of progress and inclusivity. As JAL navigates through the aftermath of the pandemic and competition with other airlines, Tottori’s leadership and strategic vision will be crucial in driving the company’s growth and success. Ultimately, her appointment signifies a shift towards a more diverse and gender-equitable corporate culture in Japan’s business landscape.
