From Albion to the Blue-Chips: How Kenyo Tanaka launched a global career in finance

When Kenyo Tanaka ’01 left Japan to study at Albion College, he could not have predicted that his decision would lead to a career in private equity, managing major investments across Asia. But looking back, he credits Albion with shaping not only his skillset—but also his mindset.

Ken majored in economics and management at Albion, with a focus on accounting and finance, and was a member of the college’s prestigious Gerstacker Institute for Business and Management. Today, he serves as an investment director at MSD Investments, a private equity arm of Mitsui & Co., Ltd., one of Japan’s largest trading and investment companies. Based in Tokyo, he sources and manages investments in mid-sized companies across Asia, helping them grow and increase in value before strategically exiting the investments. He previously worked at Mitsui’s U.S. subsidiary in New York City, where he was responsible for leading several acquisitions aimed at expanding its leasing business. His path has also included roles in M&A advisory at Nomura—Japan’s leading investment bank—and GE’s Financial Management Program.

“Private equity is a dynamic, global field where I’m constantly learning,” Ken said. “What I enjoy most is the chance to help revitalize local economies by growing businesses that matter.”

Ken’s journey to Albion began as a high school exchange student in Battle Creek, Michigan. During that year, he was struck by the American education system’s interactive style and decided to pursue college in the U.S. His host sister, an Albion alumna, introduced him to the college. After visiting several campuses across Michigan, Ken chose Albion for its small class sizes, attractive campus, and generous scholarships.

At Albion, he made the most of every opportunity. In addition to his rigorous academic work, Ken joined the swim team, worked part-time at the Kellogg Center, and completed three internships through the Gerstacker Institute—at Denso, a Japanese automotive parts manufacturer; Hartline Investment in Chicago; and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC). These experiences helped him clarify his career interests and gave him early insight into the fast-paced world of finance.

He also immersed himself in campus life and American culture, which he credits for his rapid language development and personal growth. “Albion doesn’t hand you everything—you have to take the initiative to find opportunities,” he said. “That mindset still guides me in my career today.”

Some of Ken’s fondest memories include winter swim training camp in Florida and the summer Gerstacker program, where students took classes together and formed close bonds. “We were like a family,” he recalled.

As someone who has successfully navigated global financial institutions and international career transitions, Ken points to the long-lasting value of his Albion experience. “I gained many things from my time at Albion—strong English skills, a solid foundation in accounting and finance through both coursework and internships, and the flexibility to work with people from entirely different cultural backgrounds,” he added. Most of all, he developed the confidence to take initiative and shape his own path.

Ken encourages prospective international students to consider Albion’s unique advantages: Small classes, a welcoming community, strong support systems, and proximity to major cities like Detroit and Chicago that offer access to meaningful internships and career connections. “The Midwest may not have as many international students as the coasts, but that’s exactly what makes it such a great place to grow,” he said. “Albion helped me prepare for a global career—and it can do the same for you.”