Personality Profile
(Japan Times - September 13, 2003)
By VIVIENNE KENRICK

Marco Crivelli has a guiding principle that he applies to personal relationships and to wider circles of society. He said: "It is very rewarding to give something back to your parents. And since we are so lucky, I have always wanted to do something for society." Here in Tokyo, he is chairman of the Foreign Community Supporting Committee, which has been assisting the projects of YMCA Japan since 1957.

Not yet 50, Crivelli is tidy-minded, and very capable of dealing reliably with the constant demands of his work and his volunteer commitments. His mother tongue is Italian, the language of both his parents, who were living in the southern part of Switzerland where he was born. He now adds Japanese to his excellent English, German and French.

His father was a businessman, and so is Crivelli. "Sometimes in my early life I dreamed of becoming a farmer," he said. Ten years ago he realized that dream. He bought a deer-breeding farm in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand.

He liked New Zealand, he said, because it reminded him of Switzerland. As well as having the deer farm, his property produces kiwi fruit. He arranges for his parents from Switzerland to spend several months each year on the farm in the Bay of Plenty.

Crivelli began equipping himself for a career in business when he entered the Swiss Bank Corp. in Biel/Lausanne as an apprentice. He underwent intensive training in all the major departments and services of a Swiss universal bank.

With a diploma in banking, he continued to a degree in business administration and economics. He filled different positions of responsibility while taking executive courses in management finance, marketing and sales. Then he and Japan found each other.

"I was always interested in Japan," he said. "I was lucky to find a company to bring me in 1986, and since then I've never looked back." He came to Yokohama to be director of finance and administration for Siber Kikai.

Crivelli moved up the scale in title and responsibilities, and assumed command of different product manufacture. Since he switched to fashion textiles and home furnishings, he said, "I must say that I like textiles and interior products very much. I can identify with them more than with heavy machinery." As president now for Asia-Pacific for Forbo International, he travels frequently. Married in Japan, he is an active outdoorsman and of a literary and musical bent.

His associations and special assignments indicate the measure of his giving back. As well as being a member of business-related organizations, he is honorary delegate for Japan of the International Committee of the Red Cross.

As chairman of the YMCA Foreign Community Supporting Committee, he is leading a drive to raise more than 100 million yen annually to help YMCA programs throughout Japan. He wants to make better known amongst the international community the work that YMCA/FSCS undertakes.

The YMCA began nearly 160 years ago in London as a Bible study group for young men and has grown to a worldwide organization.

In Tokyo, YMCA/FCSC, 45 years old, is made up of ambassadors, top international business, community and social leaders, and celebrities, who share Crivelli's urge, "to give back to society." YMCA programs include camps and music for challenged children, schemes for the underprivileged and those with learning disabilities. Prominent amongst different charity activities is the Charity Run, known as "Love on the Run," taking place in a dozen Japanese cities.

This year will be Tokyo's 17th international charity run. It is a volunteer relay race of six members in each team, at least one of whom must be female.

All groups are welcome, and are invited to wear dress advertising their organizations. Participation fees are set, and sponsor PR benefits apply at different levels. Prizes are awarded to place winners of the race, to the oldest team, and to the one with the most impressive team costume. A raffle adds to the fun.

The run, encircling NHK Hall at Yoyogi Park, covers 10 km. It is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 27, starting at 10:30 a.m.

The Japan Times: Sept. 13, 2003
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