Hisaaki has worked with international food and nutrition businesses both within and outside Japan for over thirty years. As CEO of Smoothlink, he now specialises in assisting such businesses in overcoming cultural, regulatory, and business challenges as they expand into the Japanese market. Prior to joining Smoothlink in 2012, he spent eight years developing DSM’s Japanese business and managing its mergers and acquisitions activities in the region. He also previously managed global accounts for Roche Vitamins Group, where he created a new market for carotenoids. Hisaaki holds a BSc in Animal Sciences from Kitasato University in Tokyo.