Ako Shimada

Ako Shimada has a diverse work experience spanning various industries and roles. Starting in 2005, they worked as an Attorney at Rutan & Tucker, LLP, specializing in complex commercial litigation and IP litigation. Ako then moved on to Apria Healthcare, where they served as Senior Corporate Counsel and Assistant General Counsel, providing legal counsel and strategic advice related to compliance with regulations and managing asset purchases. In 2014, they joined Christie Digital Systems as Assistant General Counsel and Compliance Officer, focusing on digital projection and display solutions. Ako also held positions at Ushio America, Inc., Ushio Europe, and KA Imaging Inc., where they utilized their legal and regulatory expertise. Additionally, they held leadership roles at ACC Southern California, U.S.-Japan Council, and Association of Corporate Counsel, demonstrating their involvement in professional organizations. Currently, Ako is working as an Independent Outside Director at Fujitec Co., Ltd., a leading manufacturer of elevators and escalators.

Ako Shimada's education history includes a J.D. degree from Loyola University Chicago School of Law, which they obtained from 1996 to 1999. Prior to that, they completed their Bachelor's degree, with highest distinction, at Northwestern University from 1995 to 1996. Ako also pursued Journalism at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill from 1992 to 1995.

In addition to their academic qualifications, Ako Shimada has pursued executive education in various fields. In 2019, they completed an Executive Education program in Strategic Decisionmaking at the Smith School of Business at Queen's University. In 2017, they attended the University of California, Berkeley's General Counsel Institute, where they completed an Executive Education program.

Furthermore, Ako Shimada has completed two Executive Education programs at the Questrom School of Business, Boston University. In 2016, they obtained a Mini-MBA for In-House Counsel, and also received education in Financial Accounting.

Additionally, Ako Shimada has obtained certifications outside of their formal education. In December 2020, they completed the Independent Directors Training offered by the Japan Association of Corporate Directors. Ako also holds the Certified Information Privacy Professional - United States (CIPP/US) certification, which they obtained from the International Association of Privacy Professionals in July 2020.