Akira M

International Business Manager (Yamato MFG)

Self Employed • Temps plein

Aug 2003 - Feb 2025 • 21 yrs 6 mos

Led the end-to-end global expansion for a domestic Japanese manufacturer, transforming a localized operation into an international supplier for commercial buyers, distributors, and SME founders across North America, Europe, and Asia. Global Pipeline Generation: Built and scaled the international export division from the ground up, expanding distribution to over 70 countries and generating $5.5M in annual cross-border revenue. Regulatory & Compliance Engineering (EU/North America): Directed the physical R&D redesigns of 100V domestic machinery to meet strict 120V/220V global standards. Successfully navigated complex UL, CE, CSA, and NSF certification processes, ensuring frictionless customs clearance for North American and European buyers. Direct-to-Buyer Contract Negotiation: Structured direct co-investment and supply contracts with international F&B founders and equipment distributors, bypassing traditional trading companies to protect margins and ensure supply chain transparency. Post-Sales Infrastructure: Established a robust, 365-day localized post-sales support system, successfully bridging the operational gap between Japanese factory engineers and overseas commercial operators to eliminate equipment downtime. Cultural & Operational Translation: Acted as the sole bilingual operational bridge for overseas CEOs, translating not just business English, but the unspoken regional business etiquette required to prevent contract stalls and navigate cultural friction on the factory floor.