Mitsumasa “Mike” Aoki, who has 20 years’ experience of managing business relationships between Japan and the US, has joined us from consultancy Deloitte to help Japanese corporates develop new opportunities with cutting-edge companies across the Americas.
Since 1990, we’ve supported many Japanese companies’ global business development and facilitated collaboration between them and western innovators on hundreds of commercial projects.
As Head of American Business Development for our Corporate Development Services, Mike Aoki will further strengthen our capability to help Japanese companies and government agencies rapidly identify commercial opportunities, launch businesses and accelerate their growth throughout the Americas.
Based in our Silicon Valley office, he will advise Japanese organisations and lead our corporate development team across the US, Canada and Latin America.
Born in Texas, graduating from Tokyo’s Waseda University and studying at Cambridge University’s Judge Business School, Mike first worked for an advertising agency in Japan, then Sanyo Trading Co. Ltd, for which he developed its American sales channels.
He moved back to the US in 2017 to head American business development for a Japanese tech startup. Next, he joined the innovation consulting arm of Deloitte in the US and Japan to lead business development for Japanese companies across the manufacturing, chemicals, healthcare, entertainment and media industries.
Mike has a great passion for innovation and also brings expertise in the fields of telecoms, extended reality (XR), the metaverse, digital health and the circular economy.
Alan Mockridge, President of our American operation, said: “Major Japanese corporations and government bodies have sharply increased their focus on the Americas – as both a source of innovation and a location for launching businesses to bring in significant new revenues. And many of Japan’s startups and SMEs are also seeking to enter the market.
“Mike brings impeccable skills and experience and superb business contacts to help such organisations succeed in the Americas. We’re thrilled to welcome him to the company and he’ll undoubtedly make a big impact in expanding the support we deliver for our Japanese clients.”
Mike Aoki added: “Navigating the complexities of today's global environment requires a proactive approach to business expansion. Intralink's established overseas network and profound commitment to fostering the growth of Japanese businesses are truly commendable, and I’m excited to join the company’s America team and make a tangible contribution to this."
To discuss how your business can benefit from cross-border collaboration with Japan, you can contact Mike at mike.aoki@intralinkgroup.com or connect with him on LinkedIn.