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Haas News

MAGAZINE SPRING 2026

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Seiichiro Yamamoto, MBA 92 Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Nomura Asset Management

Seiichiro Yamamoto, MBA 92, chairperson of the board of Nomura Asset Management, received UC Berkeley Haas’ 2026 Raymond E. Miles Service Award—its highest volunteer honor—for helping expand the school’s presence in Japan, including a new Executive Education bootcamp in Tokyo.

By

Andrew Faught

A person in a gray suit with a blue tie sits in an office chair at a white table in front of a window.

In an asset management career stretching some 40 years, Seiichiro Yamamoto says the two years he spent at Haas were the most pivotal. “It was truly transformative, providing the analytical foundation and global perspective that have guided my career,” he says. After earning his MBA, Yamamoto held finance roles in New York City for about a decade before returning to his native Japan. He’s currently chairperson of the Board of Directors of Nomura Asset Management.

Since 2019, Yamamoto has honored those crucial MBA years by serving on the Haas School Board, helping expand Haas’ global footprint and offering introductions within the Japanese business community.

Last November, for example, his support led UC Berkeley Executive Education to launch an annual Innovation Bootcamp in Tokyo—the first open-enrollment course held beyond campus. Yamamoto has also co-organized welcome parties for newly admitted students and hosted FTMBA students on spring break treks. In May, about 70 EMBA students will visit major corporations in Japan, including ASICS and Nomura Holdings, thanks to his assistance.

“I remain deeply committed to supporting the Haas mission and to strengthening the bonds between our global alumni community and the next generation of leaders,” he says.

For his efforts, Yamamoto received this year’s Raymond E. Miles Service Award, Haas’ highest honor for a volunteer demonstrating outstanding dedication to the school.

“The spirit of Berkeley Haas has been my North Star,” says Yamamoto. “This award is not only a recognition of past service but also a reminder of our shared responsibility to give back to the institution that shaped us.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Seiichiro Yamamoto?

Seiichiro Yamamoto, MBA 92, is chairperson of the board of directors of Nomura Asset Management, with an asset management career spanning roughly 40 years. After earning his UC Berkeley Haas MBA, he held finance roles in New York City for about a decade before returning to Japan. He has served on the Haas School Board since 2019.

What is the Raymond E. Miles Service Award?

The Raymond E. Miles Service Award is UC Berkeley Haas’ highest honor for a volunteer demonstrating outstanding dedication to the school. Yamamoto received the 2026 award for expanding the school’s global footprint in Japan—including helping UC Berkeley Executive Education launch its first open-enrollment course beyond campus, an annual Innovation Bootcamp in Tokyo—and for connecting students with the Japanese business community.

Connections

Yamamoto was named a Builder of Berkeley in 2019 in celebration of his generosity to the university.

The Takeaway

“Life is limited,” says Yamamoto. “Do not be afraid of failure or criticism. Failures often teach us the most valuable lessons. Bold and unconventional thinking will broaden your perspective and help you.”

Posted in:

Alumni News

Topics:

Finance

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