Summary

Arif Iqball is a global executive coach, former Global Chief Financial Officer, and MBA professor of leadership and strategic management with over 25 years at the highest levels of international business. He equips senior leaders to master complexity, accelerate strategic impact, and lead with authentic authority. His practice is grounded in human-centric leadership, operational precision, and a commitment to personal mastery.

Coaching Style

Arif’s coaching is tailored for senior executives operating in high-stakes environments. Integrating boardroom-tested insights with research-driven frameworks, he sharpens strategic leadership, decision-making, and executive presence. Clients describe his approach as a catalyst for profound growth - a disciplined, results-focused engagement that expands leadership capacity and amplifies strategic influence.

Professional Experience

Arif has served as Global Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Senior Vice President for Benesse Holdings, a $5 billion publicly traded company in Japan, and held leadership roles at Ford, Delphi, Avon, Becton Dickinson, and McCann Worldgroup. He has served on the boards of over 15 companies across Japan, China, and the United States. In addition to his executive career, he is a Professor of leadership and strategic management at the MBA level at Doshisha University, one of Japan’s premier educational institutions.

Qualifications
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Arif holds the title of Professional Certified Coach (PCC) granted by the International Coach Federation (ICF), and he is a Certified Integral Coach® affiliated with New Ventures West. His coaching expertise is further enhanced by additional qualifications from respected institutions including Marshall Goldsmith, Korn Ferry, Aletheia Coaching, and the Neuroleadership Institute, and he is also recognized as an advanced certified practitioner by Hogan.​
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He earned his MBA in International Business and a Masters in Asian/Japanese Studies from the University of Michigan, complemented by a Masters in Manufacturing Engineering acquired from Northwestern University. Additionally, Arif successfully completed the Executive Development Program at the Wharton School of Business.​ Arif is also a Professor of Leadership and Management at a major Japanese University and was awarded the President’s Global Education Award for Teacher-of-the-Year.​
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Personal Interests

A passionate traveller and photographer, Arif has explored over 60 countries and has been published internationally for his images. Reflecting his commitment to community and impact, he established a philanthropic endowment dedicated to advancing mental health support for young adults.