Career Biography

David Kadaka is a trilingual strategic legal executive with nearly two decades of experience advising multinational technology, software, manufacturing and digital commerce businesses across Japan and the Asia-Pacific region. Currently serving as executive officer of NCR Commerce Japan and associate general counsel of NCR Voyix, he acts as a strategic advisor to the business on transformation initiatives, cross-border transactions, governance, regulatory matters and operational risk management. Fluent in English, Japanese and Mandarin, his work focuses on helping global organisations navigate growth, modernisation and cultural alignment in complex multinational environments.

At NCR Voyix, David supports the company’s evolving digital commerce and platform transformation initiatives, including strategic transactions and organisational modernisation efforts designed to reshape customer and product offerings in a rapidly changing market. Working closely with leadership in Japan and overseas, he plays a key role in bridging local business realities with global strategy, while helping drive innovation, operational alignment, and sustainable growth across the region.

Prior to joining NCR Voyix, Kadaka served as chief legal officer of Rakuten Symphony, where he led global legal operations for Rakuten’s telecom and Open RAN business across APAC, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the Americas. He advised on complex transactions, workforce transformation matters, disputes and strategic operational changes during a period of significant business evolution. Earlier, as chief legal and compliance officer for key divisions of HOYA, he directed legal strategies for major cross-border joint ventures, manufacturing operations, data breach responses, restructuring projects and organisational modernization initiatives across multiple Asian jurisdictions.

David also spent more than six years with Dassault Systèmes, where he played a critical role in the transformation of Japan into an Asia-Pacific regional hub. He successfully integrated acquired businesses across the region, aligned local and global operations and bridged cultural and business differences between regional teams and headquarters leadership. Notably, during the COVID-19 crisis, he supported initiatives involving advanced simulation technologies that contributed to quarantine facility construction and disease research efforts.

Earlier in his career, David practiced at leading international law firms including Davis Polk & Wardwell and Jones Day, advising multinational corporations, financial institutions and investment funds on cross-border M&A, financings, restructurings and strategic transactions. Admitted to practice law in New York and U.S. Federal Courts, he earned his J.D. with a specialisation in Business Law and Policy from the UCLA School of Law and holds a B.A. from Rice University.

Having lived and worked globally, David brings a deeply international perspective while maintaining a long-term commitment to Japan and the broader Asia-Pacific region. He is passionate about technology, innovation and the development of high-performing teams. This commitment to mentorship and excellence — principles shaped by his early background competing internationally in soccer — makes him a dynamic leader known for his ability to bridge cultures, align stakeholders and help organisations navigate complex periods of transformation.