Advisors
Japan Global Business Association
Advisors
Japan
Debbie Howard
Advisor
Debbie has lived and worked in Japan for over 30 years. Founded JMRN in 1989, Debbie is a specialist in translating qualitative research into clear strategic direction for international clients, and over her career has worked with major brands that have entered Japan. She served as President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ) in 2004 and 2005, Chairman in 2006 and 2007, and continues to serve as ACCJ President Emeritus. Her first-hand caregiving experience led her to become a published author on the topic. Debbie also serves as an advisor to the US-Japan Bridging Foundation .
Dr. Greg Story
Advisor
President, Dale Carnegie Training Tokyo Japan. A Ph.D. in Japanese decision-making, and a 37 year veteran of Japan. In 2001 he was Country Head for Austrade. In 2005 he led Shinsei’s Retail Branch national network, eventually becoming the Joint CEO of the Retail Bank. In July 2007 became the Country Head for the National Australia Bank in Japan. Dr. Story is Chairman Emeritus of the Australia New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in Japan. He is Adjunct Professor in the Griffith University International Business Faculty. A 6th Dan in traditional Shitoryu Karate. His three books have all gone #1 Bestseller on Amazon.
Annie Chang
Advisor
Born and raised in Taiwan, a pioneer in IT recruitment service industry. Annie’s goal is to help professionals reach their true potential and assist companies to find the best-matched talent. President of AC Global Solutions, a boutique firm specializing in IT recruiting. She also founded Women in Technology Japan (WITJ) with the goal of building a community of professional women to network with like-minded women of all nationalities, exchange ideas, share experiences, and grow and shine individually. Annie is passionate about increasing the proportion of women in the tech field and in leadership roles.
Yuji Ito
Advisor
Yuji started his career with Daiwa Securities in 1987. Daiwa sponsored him to get an MBA at INSEAD in 1991. He then served as a head of trading desk in Daiwa Europe (France) from 1992 to 1998. In 1999, Yuji joined Goldman Sachs Tokyo office. He was appointed as Managing Director for the Securities Division in 2007 and served as a relationship manager for financial institutions until 2014. In 2014, he co-founded Wings and AILE, a multi-purpose company (retail, hospitality, parking, consulting, advisory). In 2019 Yuji sits on the board of Nippon Ski Resort Development, a publicly-traded Japanese corporation.
Barbara Hancock
Advisor
Originally from upstate New York, Barbara has lived in Tokyo for 35 years. Together with her husband, Scott, they own and operate MediaSense K.K., a corporate communications and production company serving several international clients. For more than 25 years, MediaSense’s dedicated team of professionals have built their reputation and success on offering valued support and solutions to meet diverse business needs and exceed client’s expectations. Barbara believes in being “part of the solution” and is also committed to the community…
Originally from upstate New York, Barbara has lived in Tokyo for 35 years. Together with her husband, Scott, they own and operate MediaSense K.K., a corporate communications and production company serving several international clients. For more than 25 years, MediaSense’s dedicated team of professionals have built their reputation and success on offering valued support and solutions to meet diverse business needs and exceed client’s expectations. Barbara believes in being “part of the solution” and is also committed to the community. She is involved in fundraising activities for the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan, helping to organize the annual Charity Ball, and also serves as Vice Chair of Tokyo English Life Line (TELL).
Dominic Carter
Advisor
Dominic started what is now The Carter Group, a diversified organisation serving the needs of international businesses looking to realise ambitious goals in the Japanese market. Over the last 25 years he has worked with some of the top brands in the world, fuelling their journeys to success through the expert application of consumer insights across cultural contexts to drive successful marketing strategy. Dominic is a lecturer, guest speaker, trainer, consultant and commentator on consumer insights methodology, social mega-trends & the contemporary Japanese consumer.
Duco Delgorge
Advisor
Duco is CEO of Joft, an import agency, facilitating international food producers to build long-term success in Japan, with special focus on plant-based and organic foods. With 30 years’ experience and a successful track record leading food importing companies, Duco has an excellent global network, in-depth market knowledge, and strong trade connections. He is also the co-founder of BtoTree, the online world global expo. Duco has also served as Chairman of the European Business Council in Japan and Chairman of the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce in Japan. Duco lived in New York, Mumbai, the Netherlands and came to Japan the first time in 1988.
Yasuhiro Sakamoto
Advisor
Yasuhiro Sakamoto is President and CEO of DS Technologies, an IT company focused on legal tech and payment services. DS Technologies provides and utilizes both engineers and platforms. Previously, Yasuhiro served as First Vice President of MasterCard Japan where he led the Business Development, Network Operations, Franchise, and Advanced Technologies. Additionally, as Western Union’s Country Director he developed and expanded cross-border money-transfer commerce. He has also served as a board member of the Japan Payment Service Association. Yasuhiro`s 30+ year wide-ranging career in the payment industry provides a solid foundation of extensive knowledge business networks.
Diana Green
Advisor
Diana is the founder and director of Visionled Global. Her career in textiles led her to Japan in 1987. As product and services design consultant Diana worked for Australian clients to design with companies such as Dai Nippon, Chiyoda, Topan and Nihon Vogue. Through her company, she pioneered and developed a creative methodology, DoT, Design of Thinking. She creates and conducts programs for individuals and groups, to tap into creative and innovative abilities. It can be applied to the professional or personal context. Her career includes designing and innovating product, services and programs with international business trading in Australia, Japan, India, Singapore, Ireland, France & Germany.
Peter Rolufs
Advisor
Peter is a communications and business development professional based in Japan who has led the communications functions of world class organizations such as Northrop Grumman, IBM, the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan, and the billion-dollar Solar Frontier venture at Showa Shell. Today Peter successfully consults independently in a diversity of industries including DeFi, aerospace, restaurants, IT services, human resources, e-commerce, social media, property management, travel & tourism, education, and fine arts.
Francis Fung
Advisor
Founder of Sloane Japan, professor at Temple University Japan and business development consultant for companies in and outside of Japan. International speaker and presenter in US, Europe, Russia, Africa, Asia and Australia. Francis has extensive experience on international projects across Retail, Branding, UX Research and Advertising. He also teaches and trains leadership skills, communications and negotiation skills. Empowering team members to show autonomy in their decision making, actions, communications and leadership. He helps companies develop new business and communicate with both non-Japanese and Japanese teams.
Jesus Perezagua
Advisor
Media Entrepreneur with companies founded in Japan, Australia and Netherlands. Founder & CEO of Oh! Jazz. Advisor and board member in media, media technology and advertising companies. Entertainment business executive with extensive international experience in, TV, digital media, publishing, and franchise management. President at Fox International Channels Europe & Africa, creating and running over 100 TV channels and media operations with over 1,000 employees. Expert in Japanese character merchandising & children animation.
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