1.
advisor; counselor; consultant
A person who serves as an advisor, especially in a formal or organizational role. In Japanese companies, this is often a senior advisory position given to retired executives. In broader usage, refers to anyone who serves as a go-to person for advice.
会社の相談役に就任する。
To be appointed as company advisor.
元社長が相談役として残っている。
The former president remains as an advisor.
彼はチームの相談役のような存在で、みんなから頼りにされている。
He's like an advisor to the team, and everyone relies on him.
In Japanese corporate culture, 相談役 is a specific position typically held by former presidents or chairmen who have retired from active management but remain in an advisory capacity. This system has been criticized for allowing retired executives to retain influence without accountability.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 相談役に就任する: to take the position of advisor
- 相談役を務める: to serve as advisor
- 相談役を廃止する: to abolish the advisor position
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 顧問: advisor, consultant — similar corporate position, more formal
- アドバイザー: advisor — loanword, broader usage
- 参与: councilor — a different advisory rank in organizations
- コンサルタント: consultant — usually an external specialist