Stephen L. Irish, Ph.D.

Managing Partner, Japan

Stephen Irish has lived in Japan for over 25 years and focused on executive search in the healthcare and life sciences sector for the past 20. Through his rich experience in the Japanese healthcare market and technical understanding, he is able to quickly understand client needs and formulate effective search strategies for identifying and recruiting top-tier candidates for leadership roles.

Professional Focus

  • Healthcare and life sciences specialist with 20 years’ experience in executive search
  • In-depth industry expertise spanning pharmaceuticals, medical devices, diagnostics, healthcare consulting and services, and other industries within the healthcare and life sciences sector
  • Track record of success in filling mission-critical roles at the executive level
  • Substantial experience working with multinational organizations starting up or expanding operations in Japan and across APAC, including Singapore, China, Hong Kong, Vietnam, India, Thailand and Philippines
  • Extensive network amongst senior executives in Japan, APAC and global headquarters
  • Native English, fluent in Japanese

Business Expertise

  • Sr. Director, Healthcare & Life Sciences, Japan and Regional Practice Head - Asia Pacific, Healthcare & Life Sciences at an executive search firm focused on multinational organizations in Japan; prior roles included Sr. Director, Healthcare & Life Sciences and Industrial & Manufacturing
  • Japan Manager, Healthcare Practice at an executive search firm and HR consulting firm in Tokyo; prior roles included Team Leader, Contingency Search Team and Consultant, Professional Staffing
  • Earlier roles in quality control and research & development at leading food and chemical company Kewpie Corporation in Tokyo

Additional Expertise

  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Medical Devices
  • Diagnostics
  • Healthcare Consulting

Areas of Expertise

Education & Certifications

  • Ph.D. in general experimental psychology from Texas Christian University, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience
  • Master’s degree in general psychology from Texas Christian University, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience
  • Bachelor’s degree in psychology from Southern Methodist University

Affiliations & Awards

Office Location Map

Japan

Tri-Seven Roppongi, Level 8
7-7-7 Roppongi, Minato-ku
Tokyo 106-0032 Japan
Case Studies
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Seamless Collaboration Delivers Interim Site Quality Director

Discover how Boyden’s integrated interim and executive search teams delivered rapid leadership solutions for a global pharmaceutical client, ensuring regulatory compliance, operational stability, and business continuity at a critical manufacturing site.
Leadership Assessment to Support M&A Integration Business Process Outsourcing

Discover how a global BPO leader achieved M&A integration success through leadership assessment, aligning executive capabilities with investor expectations and driving data-driven organizational decisions.
Scaling Legal Capability in Global Markets

Boyden partnered with a leading sovereign wealth fund to place a senior lawyer for UK and European investments, strengthening governance, risk management, and long-term growth.
Thought Leadership
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Articles & Papers
MedTech Leadership Succession & Next-Gen Executive Strategy

Discover why MedTech leadership succession is a strategic imperative—and how these companies can build strong, future-ready executive pipelines.
Articles & Papers
The Essential Need for CFO Succession Planning in Healthcare

To cope with high turnover and severe financial pressures, learn what healthcare CFOs prioritize in their successors and the need for CFO succession planning in healthcare.
Articles & Papers
Boyden in Malta: Momentum in the Mediterranean

A look at Malta’s most vibrant industries and economic successes with insights from local Partner Dr. Vassilis Trochalidis of Boyden Greece, Cyprus and Malta.
Blog
US Population Shifts: Revolutionizing Healthcare and Home Care

The US senior population is booming, driving explosive growth in home and post-acute care. Programs like PACE are expanding fast, offering innovative, in-home solutions and digital health advancements. This shift presents huge opportunities for healthcare providers to lead the future of senior care.
Media
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Board Journey 360 Fireside Series featuring President & CEO of IRICoR, Nadine Beauger
Video
THE CHRO AGENDA: CEO & C-Suite Succession & Leadership Continuity
Video
Why Grit Is Killing Your High Performers And What Elite Teams Do Instead | Dr. Amy Athey
Podcast
Executive Search Insights: How CPG & Retail Companies Find the Right Leaders
Podcast
News & Events
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Event
Compensation Mastery: Negotiating Your Worth at the Executive Level - A BlueSteps Webinar featuring Boyden's Stephen Irish

Boyden Japan's Stephen Irish joins BlueSteps Asia Pacific & Middle East Webinar Series alongside an expert panel of executive recruitment specialists 
Press Release
Boyden Research Sees Asia-Pacific Ahead in Sustainability Leadership

Highest number of Chief Sustainability Officers, robust investment and priority skills at executive and board level
Press Release
Boyden Asia/Pacific Sees Growth Across the Region, with New Hires and Promotions

Boyden announces new partners, principals and promotions in Australia, India, Japan, Singapore and Thailand

Contact Stephen L. Irish, Ph.D. today and let's get started

Office Location Map

Japan

Tri-Seven Roppongi, Level 8
7-7-7 Roppongi, Minato-ku
Tokyo 106-0032 Japan
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