Shigekazu Kokaji
Tsukuba-minai Cty
Summary
Experienced in sales and marketing, specializing in Musical Instruments (MI). Strong background as a product manager for Zildjian products in Japan for 13 years. Nearly a decade of experience developing markets for Gibson Brands across the APAC region. Expertise extends to the consumer audio industry, particularly with Philips, focusing on headphones and Bluetooth speakers. Proven track record in driving sales and expanding market presence.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
1
1
year of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
2
2
Languages
Work History
Business Development Manager
Gibson Brands, Japan Inc.
Tokyo, Japan
08.2014 - Current
- Managing 11 APAC accounts, excluding China and Hong Kong, for Gibson Brands Guitars, Amps, and Monitor Speakers
- Grew total APAC business by 27% as the first dedicated account manager assigned in company for the region, reorganizing distributor channel (2015 to 2024)
- Made 100% + recovery of sales in Australia after distributor closed their business by appointing new distributor (Australis), supporting them in setting a condition for success
- Made successful transitions and increased sales, after ending business partnership with distributor handling multiple Asian countries due to unforeseen circumstances, by finding and appointing new distributors in Indonesia (PT Citra Intirama), Malaysia, and Singapore (Music Bliss)
- Developed New Zealand market and doubled the sales by appointing local distributor (Webb Group)
- Increased sales in Korea (SAMICK) by 40% by working closely with them to take initiatives in influencer marketing activities
- Planned and organized annual 'Distributor Summit' in Nashville HQ instead of meetings at NAMM for the distributors to experience Music City, visit factories, and connect directly with product development team to engage more with the brand and share the mutual goal
Marketing Manager
Modernity Co., Ltd.
Tokyo, Japan
08.2013 - 08.2014
- Company Overview: French-owned company Imports & Distributes curated cutting-edge consumer Audio, Lifestyle, and Outdoor Brands
- Spearheaded product marketing initiatives for 3 Headphones and 1 Bluetooth Speaker brands, encompassing pricing and promotional planning, including working with musicians, DJ's and in-store display optimization
Marketing & Product Manager
Yamaha Music Trading Corporation
Tokyo, Japan
09.2001 - 03.2013
- Took initiative in expanding Zildjian Center (Key dealers in Japan), providing consumers with optimized selection of cymbals utilizing Zildjian's 'Vision Display System,' which improved their purchasing experience
- Created 'Zildjian Excellent Shop' to upgrade Zildjian Center, strategically differentiate premium partner stores to motivate dealers to engage more with the brand, and provide maximum selections of Cymbals for the consumer
- Conducted over 100 product training sessions nationwide for shop pros on drum set cymbals and for students, band directors, and schoolteachers for the orchestral cymbals
- Achieved a 72% sales increase for Zildjian cymbals at Shimamura Music in 2012 by optimizing the logistics to their 100+ doors and providing in-store product training for sales pros
- Planned and organized numerous Drum Clinics at Zildjian Centers, featuring Japanese Zildjian artists, including Akira Jimbo and Senri Kawaguchi
- Organized, promoted, and supported the execution of Zildjian’s APAC Clinic tours in Japan
- (Simon Phillips, Marco Minnemann, John Tempesta, Kenny Aronoff, Kozo Suganuma)
- Signed up significant numbers of up-and-coming young drummers in Japan as an associate endorser of Zildjian Cymbals to influence the younger generation of drummers and fans
- Built strong relationships with the Business owners and Store managers in Japan through dealer visits and dining with them to gain their trust and support for the Zildjian business
Interpreter
Walt Disney Attractions Japan
Chiba, Japan
08.2000 - 09.2001
- Facilitated communication between U.S
- And Japanese engineers/designers and project managing teams during the Tokyo Disney Sea construction project, ensuring timely completion
Customer Service and Logistics Roles
Multiple
, Japan
07.1992 - 08.2000
- Including English-speaking position at rental car company and truck driving for moving and long-distance logistics companies
Education
Berklee College of Music - Music Performance
Berklee College of Music
Boston, MA 01.1991 - 06.1992
Skills
Strategic Sales & Marketing
Market Development in APAC
Revenue Growth
Communication
Interpersonal (Multi Culture)
Artist & Media Relations
Event Planning & Organizing
Product Training
Microsoft Word
Excel
PowerPoint
Certification
TOEIC, 930
Playing Drums
Use a set of Low Volume Cymbals with an Acoustic Drumest at home.
Play in multiple bands with friends, play out for fun once in 2-3 months.
Timeline
Business Development Manager
Gibson Brands, Japan Inc.
08.2014 - Current
Marketing Manager
Modernity Co., Ltd.
08.2013 - 08.2014
Marketing & Product Manager
Yamaha Music Trading Corporation
09.2001 - 03.2013
Interpreter
Walt Disney Attractions Japan
08.2000 - 09.2001
Customer Service and Logistics Roles
Multiple
07.1992 - 08.2000
Berklee College of Music - Music Performance
Berklee College of Music
01.1991 - 06.1992
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