Mr. Heywood graduated from Harvard University in 1991 with a degree in East Asian studies. Prior to graduation, he spent three years living in Japan as a missionary and a student. Later, he joined JD Power and Associates and aided in the establishment of the Japanese and Asian operations of JDPA and the development of the JDPA business model in Asia.

Mr. Heywood served on the board of directors of JD Power Asia and JD Power Korea, where he had the opportunity to interact with the board of directors and management of nearly every automotive company in the world, as well as hundreds of Japanese chief executive officers and other senior management officials. His interaction was directed at supporting management in driving internal change.

In 1997, he joined a British firm, Belron International, as director of business development and operations for nine Asian countries, including Japan. In 1999, he returned to Japan to join Citibank as vice president and head of sales for its 22 retail branches.