MS Office
Yoshinobu Takase
Strategic Account & Hotel Sourcing Expert
Kawasaki
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven senior professional with 30+ years of experience in the B2B travel and hospitality space, specializing in hotel sourcing, account management, and strategic partnerships. Proven track record in leading high-performing teams, integrating business operations post-acquisition, and delivering sustainable revenue growth in competitive markets. Trusted advisor to hotel partners and executive leadership, with deep expertise in optimizing distribution strategies, enhancing supplier relationships, and navigating complex integrations.
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
3
3
Languages
Work History
Hotel Area Manager Japan
Hopper Japan GK
10.2024 - Current
- Joined as a founding member for the Japan market entry and played a key role in the successful launch of Vtrip through a strategic partnership with SMCC (Sumitomo Mitsui Credit Card Company).
- Led direct hotel contracting efforts, securing agreements with over 800 properties in under 1 year.
- Contributed extensively to localization initiatives by leveraging deep market knowledge and hands-on experience.
- Participated in the hiring process as an interviewer for key local roles including Market Managers and Onboarding Specialists.
Head of Sourcing Japan
WebBeds Japan KK
08.2017 - 09.2024
- Spearhead strategic hotel sourcing across Japan, directly managing 80+ key hotel partners, including independent and major group hotels.
- Expended the portfolio by onboarding over 200 new hotels - even during the pandemic - boosting competitiveness and destination coverage.
- Successfully led complex integrations with Japanese channel managers, tripling business volume within 5 years.
- Played a key role in post-merger integration following company acquisition, strengthening supplier trust and operational efficiency.
- Delivered tailored consulting to partners on channel mix optimization and revenue strategies, mitigating B2B distribution risks.
Senior Contracting Manager
Hotelbeds Japan KK
01.2016 - 07.2017
- Managed 150+ key hotel accounts across top destinations; negotiated exclusive commercial terms, enhancing the product's competitiveness edge.
- Acquired and maintained over 50 new hotel contracts, contributing significantly to portfolio growth.
- Collaborated with the Talent Acquisition team to build a new sourcing team of 6, based in Tokyo and Singapore.
- Helped secure strategic market positioning in advance of a key competitor acquisition.
Area Sourcing Manager, North Asia
GTA Japan Limited
04.2007 - 12.2015
- Led sourcing teams across Tokyo, Osaka, Seoul, and Taipei, overseeing double- and triple-digit annual growth in room-nights sales across the region.
- Strengthened supplier engagement through in-market events and strategic negotiations.
- Recognized as " Area Sourcing Manager of the Year " in Asia Pacific in 2014 for outstanding commercial results and leadership.
Operations Manager
World Air-Sea Service Co., Ltd.
03.2004 - 03.2007
- Managed group tour operations team, ensuring high-quality services and efficient workflow.
- Led group tours to Europe and the U.S. as a certified tour conductor.
Managing Director
Travco Japan Limited
01.1993 - 02.2004
- Established B2B wholesale travel operations with a focus on outbound European products.
- Cultivated strong relationship with travel agencies, driving expansion of sales channels and market share.
Marketing Manager
Euro-Japan Holidays Limited
01.1990 - 12.1992
- Built direct hotel contracting and sourcing operations for Japanese outbound market to Europe.
FIT Sales Executive
Gullivers Travel Associates, GTA
04.1987 - 12.1989
- Helped establish FIT department, worked closely with MD to grow Japan sales operations from the ground up.
- Achieved a tenfold increase in revenue within 3 years and played a key role in establishing a sustainable foundation for FIT business development in the Japan market.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - German Language And Literature
Dokkyo University
Saitama 04.2001 -
Skills
- Hotel Contracting & Distribution Strategy
- B2B Supplier Relationship Management
- Business Development & Market Expansion
- Leadership of Cross-Regional Teams
- B2B Supplier Relationship Management
- Integration & Change Management
Software
Google Workplace
Salesforce
Interests
Playing saxophones
City Walking
Timeline
Hotel Area Manager Japan
Hopper Japan GK
10.2024 - Current
Head of Sourcing Japan
WebBeds Japan KK
08.2017 - 09.2024
Senior Contracting Manager
Hotelbeds Japan KK
01.2016 - 07.2017
Area Sourcing Manager, North Asia
GTA Japan Limited
04.2007 - 12.2015
Operations Manager
World Air-Sea Service Co., Ltd.
03.2004 - 03.2007
Bachelor of Arts - German Language And Literature
Dokkyo University
04.2001 -
Managing Director
Travco Japan Limited
01.1993 - 02.2004
Marketing Manager
Euro-Japan Holidays Limited
01.1990 - 12.1992
FIT Sales Executive
Gullivers Travel Associates, GTA
04.1987 - 12.1989
Similar Profiles
Susan (Stokes) HopperSusan (Stokes) Hopper
Owner/Operator/Florist/Event Manager at Hopper Farms Flower Shop & NurseryOwner/Operator/Florist/Event Manager at Hopper Farms Flower Shop & Nursery
Mingxian SongMingxian Song
Early Childhood Educator at Tiny Hopper QueensboroughEarly Childhood Educator at Tiny Hopper Queensborough
Mason LewisMason Lewis
Golf Lessons at Jackie HopperGolf Lessons at Jackie Hopper
Futaba KoikeFutaba Koike
Account Executive at Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley Securities Co., Ltd.Account Executive at Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley Securities Co., Ltd.
Haruhito SuzukiHaruhito Suzuki
Research Assistant Intern at International House Of Japan (IHJ)Research Assistant Intern at International House Of Japan (IHJ)