Welcome Back Spotlight: Alex Willden
Why the Launch of A&M in Tokyo Brought this Director Back at Exactly the Right Moment
Alex Willden is a Director in Alvarez & Marsal’s Global Transaction Advisory Group (TAG) in Tokyo, Japan. After nearly five years with A&M in the US, Alex relocated to Japan, where he later rejoined A&M when the Tokyo office launched. The opportunity to return and help build TAG’s platform in Japan made the decision easy.
In this Q&A, Alex reflects on why returning to A&M at this moment was meaningful, what it’s been like helping establish TAG’s presence in Tokyo, and how his global experience, language skills, and disciplined approach shape the way he partners with clients in Japan’s evolving market.
Returning to A&M Tokyo
What made this the right moment to return to A&M in Tokyo?
I spent nearly five years at A&M in the US before relocating to Japan for my family. At the time, A&M did not yet have a presence in Japan, so I joined another transaction services team. Still, A&M’s culture, commitment to professional development, and client-first mindset stayed with me. When the opportunity arose to help launch the Tokyo office, I was grateful for the chance to return and be part of this next chapter.
How has your background shaped your perspective and career path?
Growing up in the US and Japan, with a Japanese mother and American father, gave me a global perspective and strong adaptability. That foundation sparked my interest in bridging the two environments and led me to build my career in Japan, where I have worked for the past two years.
Helping Shape TAG’s Early Momentum
What's it been like helping establish TAG in Tokyo?
It has been a unique and highly rewarding experience. The atmosphere feels like a start-up, backed by A&M’s global platform. A&M’s TAG leadership team is exceptional, and I have valued the opportunity to learn from them while contributing to the build-out of the practice.
How does working across languages and cultures influence your role in cross-border transactions?
Language and culture are deeply intertwined. Early in my time in Japan, I realized that language proficiency is just one part of the picture. A strong understanding of local business practices and decision-making frameworks is equally critical. As inbound buyer interest remains strong in 2026, I look forward to helping clients bridge that gap.
Defining Quality and Discipline in Client Work
What A&M core value do you most identify with and what does it mean to you in practice?
Quality. It goes beyond delivering a strong product. It is about the overall client experience, tailoring our due diligence to each client’s timeline, reporting needs and investment thesis, and delivering insights that are clear and actionable. Whether supporting investment committee materials, advising on Sale and Purchase Agreement definitions, or responding promptly to client questions, consistency across these touchpoints defines quality.
You have shared that your family and Brazilian jiu-jitsu are central to you. How do they influence how you show up professionally?
Both are foundational. My family gives me purpose in my work, while martial arts training has instilled perseverance, discipline, and composure under pressure. Together, they help me show up at my best for our clients, our teams, and the TAG Japan practice.
