Lixil Director Aims to Lead the Charge Against Japan’s Glass Ceiling

Originally published at the Wall Street Journal

TOKYO—Thirty-six years ago Barbara Thomas, then an American corporate lawyer, visited Japan as a tourist, drawn by her interest in the country’s porcelain. Now, as Lady Barbara Judge, chairman of the Institute of Directors, a British business networking club, she wants to help Japan break its glass ceiling for women.

This summer Ms. Judge, a former member of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and a Commander of the Order of the British Empire, added to her portfolio of directorships in North America and Europe.

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