Country Manager, High-End European Apparel Company
CDS Executive was retained by a high-end European apparel company to search for their new Country Manager. Working closely with the International Sales Director in their European headquarters, we needed to find a candidate who could continue their growth through retail channels, as well as increase brand awareness and lead marketing initiatives. Most importantly this candidate would need to provide leadership and vision for the Japan office, and develop the future business strategy with the International Sales Director. This person was required to speak fluent English and be a cultural fit in this premium cutting edge company.

The search was challenging as this experience set combined with the language and company culture requirement limited the qualified talent pool. We undertook original research and also leveraged our extensive industry network. The final candidate was in a consulting role but had previous experience introducing and developing similar brands in the Japanese and Asian markets. We were successful in rekindling his interest to managing a brand business and successful completed the search.

Country Manager, German Consumer Products Company
CDS Executive was retained by a well known German consumer products company to recruit their first Japan Country Manager. Although this company already enjoyed a profitable business through a local distributor, they decided to establish a subsidiary office to further expand their business.

As a start-up situation they were looking for a general manager with a hands-on entrepreneurial spirit, who was capable of starting up a new office, and sustaining growth in a highly competitive product category. The client wanted us to cover both the Japan and Europe markets to look for this candidate.

Through our deep network in the consumer space we were able to uncover a great candidate located in Europe. The successful candidate was both familiar with German business practices and the intricacies of setting up and managing new business in Japan. We are now working closely with our placement to fill his key managerial reports and to advise him and the client HQ in Germany on other aspects of market entry.

Vice President of Merchandising, US Based Specialty Apparel Company
CDS Executive was retained by this US based specialty apparel company to find a Vice President of Merchandising. The specialty apparel space is an increasing competitive market and our client decided to develop a local merchandising team to create a more Japan specific product line that would cater to Japan's distinct fashion trends. We had a strong relationship with the client as we had made a number of placements in the past. The client retained us again for this strategically important position.

The Vice President of Merchandising would build the team and provide the product vision. The client was looking for a candidate with deep market experience.

Given this we recognized that the best candidate was most likely going to be in a Japanese apparel company. After an exhaustive search of numerous apparel and retail brands a great candidate was identified and successfully placed with the client. The candidate had extensive Japanese apparel experience and a strong product sense and vision.