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OUR TEAM

Representative Offices

U.S.A.

Mr. Kazuo Saito, Chief Representative in Detroit (Detroit)

Mr. Kazuo Saito is an established businessman in Detroit area.  He was once an owner and CEO of Anco Tech, Inc, a manufacturing company of metal tubing and Top Players, LLC, a sports goods export company. Prior to coming to the USA, his career was with Nippon Mining Co., Ltd. to which he contributed greatly particularly in marketing and sales strategy of its various new products. Mr. Saito received his bachelor’s degree in Economics from Keio University in Tokyo.

Mr. Hideaki Iwatani, Executive Vice President and Chief Representative in New York (New York)

Mr. Iwatani was named Chairman and CEO of Matsushita Electric Corporation of America in 2000.  In this position, Mr. Iwatani oversaw Panasonic’s consumer, B-to-B and industrial sales, marketing, production and R&D operations for the company that, along with its affiliates, had at the time, over 150 business locations in the US, Mexico, Canada and Puerto Rico.  Mr. Iwatani was also named to Matsushita Electric’s board of directors with responsibility to oversee operations in both North and South America.  Mr. Iwatani, who joined Matsushita Electric Co. Ltd. in 1968, was named President of Panasonic Consumer Electric Company since 1996.  Prior to that assignment, he was President of Panasonic Company West, which is based in the Los Angeles suburb of Cypress.  After serving as Chairman and CEO of Matsushita Electric Corporation of America, in 2004, Mr. Iwatani was responsible for the international affairs of the company as well as the Director of the Global Strategy Research Institute.  Mr. Iwatani has spent nearly 30 years on assignments in the US, and is currently a Permanent Associate for Matsushita Electric Co., Ltd.  In 2001, Mr. Iwatani received an award in NY for his contribution and dedication toward international affairs, and in 2004, received an international humanitarian award.  Mr. Iwatani graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Meiji Gakuin University in Japan.

Mr. Naoki Achiwa, Representative in New York (New York)

Mr. Achiwa is a successful business person with international experiences primarily in the Western hemisphere, with Mitsui & Company, a leading Japanese trading company, experienced various managerial functions such as corporate communications, sales & marketing, and planning and management functions.  He was responsible for the Dupont-Mitsui alliance project from 1993 to 1995, and was also seconded from Mitsui & Company to APEC Business Advisory Council as its first Executive Director to set up the organization in 1999.  After 34 years with Mitsui & Company, he joined Sunstar Ltd. (a manufacturer of oral care and health/ beauty products) as the head of NY office, and also became President of Sunnex (Ohio), a supplier of adhesives/ sealants for the auto industry, and of sprockets and brake rotors for motorcycles.  Geographical experience includes Japan, the US (over 13 years), and the UK (2 years).  Mr. Achiwa provides consulting services to American companies who are interested in entering the Japanese market as well as for Japanese companies entering the US.  Mr. Achiwa received his bachelor’s degree in Economics from Hitotsubashi University in Japan. He also attended the University of Birmingham (UK) and Harvard Business School, PMD (Program for Management Development).

Mr. Makoto (Mike) Suzuki, Chief Representative in Silicon Valley (Silicon Valley)

Mr. Suzuki joined Takenaka Partners in November 2005.  Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Suzuki was involved in Hitachi’s international business activities, particularly the electric power systems and semiconductor business.  Mr. Suzuki has served in various managerial positions in Hitachi Group: Chairman & CEO at Kokusai Semiconductor Equipment Corp. (in San Jose), Chairman & CEO at Bruce Technologies International (in Boston), Executive Managing Director, Overseas Operations at Hitachi Kokusai Electric Inc. (In Tokyo), General Manager, Overseas License & Business Support Division at Hitachi Ltd.  Mr. Suzuki received his bachelor’s degree in Electric Engineering from the University of Tokyo.


Asia

Mr. Masaki Tsukiji, Chief Representative in Osaka, Japan (Osaka)  

Mr. Tsukiji is Representative for Haruka Audit Firm as a Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Tax Consultant.  Prior to joining Haruka, Mr. Tsukiji was working for KPMG, Osaka and Dusseldorf over ten years.  He also worked for Daifuku before becoming a CPA.  Mr. Tsukiji graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Kobe University.

Mr. Jerry Guo, Chief Representative in China (Beijing)  

Mr. Guo is a founder and President of TechView Investment Consulting Corp.  TechView provides strategic consulting, manufacturing facility turnkey transfers, and equipment / technology representative services to international companies investing or marketing in China. TechView connects its clients with China’s vital industry and regulatory resources, advises on the social and cultural uniqueness of doing business in China, and helps clients maximize business opportunities while effectively controlling risks. Selective clients served by TechView include Ford Motor Company, Hitachi, Electronic Engineering Company, Caswell International, Oneida Research Services Inc., Midas Vision System Inc., and Taiwan Cando Corp.  Prior to founding TechView in 1991, Mr. Guo worked for over 20 years at various Chinese central government authorities that regulate and support the development of China’s key R&D and manufacturing industries.  Mr. Guo was responsible for the government’s elevation of project feasibility and management of planning and funding processes for electronics, telecommunications, semiconductor, automotive, and aerospace industries.  Mr. Guo has built an extensive network of connections and excellent working relationship with government and industry leaders.  These connections have tremendously benefited TechView’s clients and business partners.

Joonho (James) Kim, Chief Representative in Korea (Seoul)

Mr. Kim has substantial experience in cross-border incubation of high tech companies, M&A transactions and management consulting in telecommunications and mobile enterprise solution and outsourcing industries as well as consulting in Business Process Re-engineering of process industries such as the steel industry. Prior to joining the firm, he was a founder of a venture capital company, nShaper. Before joining nShaper, Mr. Kim worked for Deloitte Consulting in Korea, as Director and Co-leader of Pan-Asian Telecommunications practice. Prior to Deloitte, he worked for McKinsey Consulting in Korea as Director in Charge of Business Development and Communications. He also served as Assistant to Chairman at POSCO, the largest steel company in the world as a single unit. He received his master’s degree in Interpretation and Translation from Hankuk University of Foreign studies in Korea.

Mr. Keith Tay Ah Kee, Chief Representative in Singapore

Mr. Tay was Chairman and Managing Partner of KPMG Peat Marwick Singapore from 1984 to 1993 and Chairman of KPMG ASEAN Board from 1989 to 1993, and was concurrently a member of KPMG’s International Board and its Executive Committee.  Mr. Tay now serves on the boards of several public companies which include Singapore Reinsurance Corp. Ltd, Singapore Power Ltd. and Singapore Post Ltd. He is a founding member and currently Honorary Vice President of the Singapore Institute of Directors. He served as Adjunct Professor in the School of Accountancy and Business of The Nanyang Technological University from 1988 to 2003.  He was Chairman of the Singapore International Chamber of Commerce from 1995 to 1997 and he continues to serve as a Board member.  A Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales, Mr. Tay was awarded the First International Award by the Institute in 1988 for his contribution to the profession. He served as the President of the Institute of CPAs of Singapore from 1982 to 1992 and as Chairman of Edusave Advisory Council from 1993 to 2000.  A Member of the Economic Committee formed by the Government of Singapore in 1986, he was chairman of its Fiscal and Financial Policy Sub-Committee.   He was conferred the Bintang Bakti Masharakat (Public Service Star) by the President of the Republic of Singapore in 1990.

Mr. Lim Chiang, Representative in Singapore

Mr. Lim Chiang is Special Investment Advisor to the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO). In this capacity, he promotes investment into Japan and helps companies set up presence there. He is also the Director of Capacity Development Consultants Pte Ltd which specializes in providing business consultancy and investment advisory services. Mr. Lim has many years of business and consulting experience. When he was a Senior Manager of KPMG Peat Marwick Management Consultant Pte Ltd in Singapore, he managed consulting engagements in operations review, strategic marketing study, feasibility study, business planning, manpower and salary review and executive recruitment. The industries which he has experience include information technology, marine engineering, electronics manufacturing services, public transportation, food and beverage, dry battery, ceramic color, building material, ceramic tableware, furniture, animal feed, etc. Mr. Lim is a President and Mombusho (Japanese Ministry of Education) Scholar. An electronic engineering graduate from the University of Tokyo, he also has an MBA from the University of Warwick. Mr. Lim is fluent in English, Mandarin and Japanese and has a working knowledge of Indonesian.

Mr. Susumu Nitadori, Chief Representative in Thailand (Bangkok)

Mr. Nitadori has extensive experience in the banking business with Dai-ichi Kangyo Bank (now Mizuho Bank) including both domestic and international transactions.  He was seconded from the bank and worked for Thai Farmers Bank in Bangkok for four years, and also worked as the bank’s representative in Bahrain for four years.  He was also involved in developing and marketing condominiums, and managing a golf course in Hawaii for over 10 years.  Through these experiences, he established many key contacts with influential business persons and gained thorough knowledge of business practices around the world, particularly in Thailand, the Middle Eastern region, and Hawaii.  Mr. Nitadori received his Bachelors of Arts degree in business administration from Keio University in Japan.


Europe

Mr. Ryoichi Urata, Chief Representative in France (Paris)

Mr. Urata has extensive experience in corporate management in France.  As President of Hitachi France, SA, Mr. Urata spent 25 years directing sales and marketing of Hitachi’s home appliances.  While at Hitachi, Mr. Urata was responsible for the home electronics division achieving record sales and market share for its products in France.  Additionally, Mr. Urata worked extensively with the French authorities to negotiate fewer restrictions on foreign imports while strengthening Hitachi’s sales channels with French distributors.  Mr. Urata received his bachelor’s degree in French Language from Osaka University of Foreign Languages in Japan.

Mr. Martin A. Lewis, Chief Representative in the Netherlands (Amsterdam)

Mr. Lewis has extensive experience in accounting and international business.  Prior to joining Takenaka Partners, Mr. Lewis was a partner at KPMG, serving in various positions within the company for over 30 years.  As International Contact Partner, Mr. Lewis was actively involved in KPMG’s Japanese practice, overseeing all of the firm’s Japanese accounts within Europe.  Additionally, Mr. Lewis was a member of KPMG’s global steering committee for many years.  Currently, Mr. Lewis serves as the Chairman of the International Business Club of Amsterdam, as an advisor to KPMG’s Corporate Recovery Group, along with various other community activities.  In 2003, Mr. Lewis was knighted by the Dutch queen in the Order of Oranje-Nassau for his contributions to the community.  Mr. Lewis graduated from the London School of Economics with a B.S. degree in Economics specializing in Accounting.  Additionally, he was qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1967.