AnyMind Group, a BPaaS company for marketing, e-commerce and digital transformation, has today announced the appointment of four individuals to its global leadership team.
The appointments include three Managing Directors of Japan and a Managing Director for Global E-Commerce, and are as follows:
- Takanobu Ushiyama, Managing Director of Japan
- Junki Kitajima, Managing Director of Japan
- Shodai Fujita, Managing Director of Japan
- Akinori Kubo, Managing Director of Global E-Commerce
Takanobu Ushiyama joined AnyMind Group through the acquisition of ENGAWA, a Japan-based cross-border marketing company that he founded. He is responsible for the company’s D2C & E-Commerce business in Japan. Before founding ENGAWA, he was the General Manager of Interactive Communications and General Manager of New Business Development at public relations firm, Sunny Side Up.
On his appointment, Ushiyama, Managing Director, Japan, AnyMind Group, said: “I believe AnyMind’s greatest strength lies in our ability to expand businesses globally, beyond national borders. In the Japanese market, I will mobilize all of the skills and experience I have cultivated to date and, as a bridge between Japan and other countries, deliver our BPaaS offering to the world that combine AnyMind’s technology with the operational support of our team, thereby making a significant contribution to our stakeholders and society through business growth.”
Junki Kitajima joined AnyMind Group through the acquisition of GROVE, a Japan-based creator management company where he was the CEO. He is responsible for the company’s Creator Growth business unit in Japan. Prior to joining GROVE in 2015, Kitajima was involved in sales channel expansion and event promotion for online games at an IT venture company. He was appointed as CEO of GROVE in 2017.
On his appointment, Kitajima, Managing Director, Japan, AnyMind Group, said: “Our company is growing at a remarkable pace, with more than 1,600 people working with us and our business expanding to 15 countries around the world. I am very honored to take on this new responsibility. With our company’s purpose statement, “Make it exciting for everyone to do business,” in mind, I will continue to devote myself to contributing to the business of our partner creators in Japan and around the world.”
Shodai Fujita joined AnyMind Group as a fresh graduate after completing his double degree from Keio University and Bocconi University. After working in business development roles in Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City, he was tasked to establish the influencer marketing business in Japan. He is currently responsible for the e-commerce and marketing business for Japan, and is also the CEO of AnyUp, a joint venture between AnyMind Group and Sunny Side Up.
On his appointment, Fujita, Managing Director, Japan, AnyMind Group, said: “The e-commerce and marketing sectors, which are some of our key focus areas, are expected to continue experiencing significant market growth in Japan and Asia. Leveraging our experience and knowledge, we will develop globally competitive products and services and strengthen our organization to a high standard. We are committed to leading our company’s further growth.”
Akinori Kubo started his career in AnyMind Group as a university intern, where he helped set up the company’s operations in Hong Kong. After graduating from university, he joined Toyota Motor Corporation as a fresh graduate, where he was involved in business planning for the Chinese market and in-vehicle battery business planning. He rejoined AnyMind Group and was tasked to set up the company’s logistics business unit, and in cooperation with the product development team, was involved in the development of AnyLogi, the company’s international shipping platform. He then led the launch of AnyMind Group’s cross-border e-commerce business, and continues to lead the business unit.
On his appointment, Kubo, Managing Director, Global E-Commerce, AnyMind Group, said: “Currently, there is increasing attention on e-commerce both domestically and internationally. With the advancement of the internet and logistics networks, more companies are considering cross-border e-commerce. I am confident that my experience and skills will be highly beneficial in meeting these needs. Our company supports the business operations of brands across various regions in Asia through our proprietary platforms and operational teams at each location, utilizing a BPaaS model. We aim to maximize the e-commerce capabilities of each region and strengthen our support for the global expansion of brands.”
