Aiko Ōkawara

Merle Aiko Okawara (November 15, 1941-) is a Japanese American businesswoman. She has worked at the top of major companies like JC Foods, Avon Products, and eBay.

Early life and education Okawara was born Merle Higa on November 15, 1941, in Honolulu, Hawaii. Her father, Yetsuo Higa, was a businessman known for bringing Pepsi to Japan. Ernest Higa is her brother.

Career After graduating from the University of Geneva in 1964, Okawara returned to Japan and worked as an interpreter in French and English (her Japanese wasn't very strong at the time). During her time at JC Foods, she successfully grew the business to include six factories in multiple prefectures. The company was also the first to be publicly listed by a woman in Japan.

Okawara became the chairwoman of JC Foods, a director at Avon Products, and the president of several other food companies. She also served as the CEO of eBay's Japanese branch. She sits on the board of directors for several organizations and is also part of the business advisory council of UNOPS. She also won several awards.