Local expertise, global capabilities and sector specialisation ensure results for local and international clients despite challenging market conditions
Thomas Fortier has over 20 years’ experience in executive search in Japan, where he has resided since 1994. He has led numerous searches for senior executives, including hard-to-fill and mission-critical roles with complex requirements. His expertise and commitment to results make him a valuable ally in recruiting high-calibre leaders for businesses with an eye on Asia’s diverse consumer markets.
Professional Focus
- More than 20 years’ experience in executive search in Japan
- Extensive track record of successful searches for C-level, VP and director roles, as well as country, regional and divisional managers
- Specialized industry expertise in consumer products and electronics, digital media, ecommerce, lifestyle, sports & outdoor, and marketing services
- Proven ability to lead challenging searches for hard-to-fill positions requiring extensive research and market mapping, as well as confidential searches involving sensitive information
- Experience working with startups, private/owner-operated companies, PE-owned firms, Japanese and foreign multinationals
- Adept in succession planning, including internal candidate benchmarking
- Fluent in Japanese and English
Business Expertise
- Principal Consultant, Consumer & Digital Markets at one of Japan’s top executive search firms; other roles included Managing Consultant, Consumer Goods & Retail and Senior Consultant over the course of 10 years with the firm
- Senior Consultant at an executive search and recruiting firm in Tokyo; promoted from Consultant and Associate roles
- Earlier roles in business planning and teaching in Tokyo and Aomori Prefecture.
Additional Expertise
- Communications, Media & Entertainment
- Consumer Products
- Ecommerce
- Digital Media
- Retail & Apparel
- Sports & Outdoor
Areas of Expertise
Education & Certifications
- Bachelor's of Arts from Tufts University, U.S.
- Bachelor's of Music in Jazz Studies from The New England Conservatory of Music, U.S.
Boyden places a high-impact R&D executive to drive innovation and transformation across a global consumer goods portfolio
Boyden helped a mid-cap European food company overcome operational challenges at its new U.S. facility by recruiting a transformative Head of U.S. Operations, enabling stability, accountability, and long-term growth across its American business.
In a significant transition for our client, a leading family-owned agricultural producer across the eastern and midwestern United States, the challenge of appointing its first non-family CEO was met with success through Boyden's strategic recruitment efforts.
How can organisations thrive in a complex world of risk?
Today’s complex landscape demands adaptive, empathetic leaders, who accelerate decision-making to navigate opportunity and mitigate risk.
How can global business leaders deliver on ambitions of growth and reinvention?
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Contact Thomas Fortier today and let's get started