Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan has 6 executives leading key functions including finance, information technology, risk management, revenue, and operations.

Driven by a commitment to innovation, Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan manufactures and sells Coca-Cola products across Japan, impacting the beverage market with its extensive distribution network and brand recognition.

Leadership Roles at Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan

  • Group Chief Financial Officer - Bjorn Ulgenes
  • President & Representative & Director - Calin Dragan
  • President, Urry and Bannai Saketen - Brian Takenaka
  • Representative Director and President - Yoshinari Owaki
  • Head Chief Information Officer, Business Systems - Harsh Kachhwaha
  • Chief Risk Officer & Chief Revenue Officer - Dr Gerold
  • Bjorn Ulgenes - Group Chief Financial Officer

    Bjorn Ulgenes, the Group Chief Financial Officer at Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan, directs all financial operations and strategic fiscal planning for the organization. Ulgenes oversees the company's financial health, managing budgets, investments, and capital allocation to ensure sustainable growth and profitability. This leadership role involves close collaboration with other C-suite executives to align financial strategies with overarching business objectives. Ulgenes's expertise is critical in navigating the complex Japanese financial landscape, optimizing resource deployment across the company's manufacturing and distribution arms. By implementing robust financial controls and reporting mechanisms, Bjorn Ulgenes ensures transparency and accountability, driving operational efficiency and supporting long-term value creation for stakeholders. The Group Chief Financial Officer's purview extends to managing relationships with financial institutions and investors, securing the necessary capital for expansion and operational excellence.

    Calin Dragan - President & Representative & Director

    Calin Dragan, the President & Representative & Director at Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan, provides overarching leadership and strategic direction for the entire organization. Dragan guides the company's vision, ensuring alignment with global Coca-Cola standards while adapting to the unique dynamics of the Japanese market. This executive oversees all major business functions, including manufacturing, sales, marketing, and distribution, driving operational excellence and market leadership. Calin Dragan's responsibilities include fostering strong relationships with stakeholders, including bottlers, distributors, and regulatory bodies, to ensure smooth and effective business operations across Japan. The President & Representative & Director plays a crucial role in shaping the company's culture and driving its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. Through strategic decision-making, Calin Dragan champions initiatives that enhance brand equity and expand market share.
    Calin Dragan

    Brian Takenaka - President, Urry and Bannai Saketen

    Brian Takenaka, the President, Urry and Bannai Saketen at Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan, directs the strategic operations and market development for specific business units within the company. Takenaka focuses on enhancing the performance and reach of the Urry and Bannai Saketen divisions, ensuring their contribution to the overall corporate objectives. This leadership role involves overseeing sales strategies, distribution networks, and customer engagement initiatives tailored to these specific market segments. Brian Takenaka's efforts are critical in optimizing product placement and availability, thereby strengthening Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan's competitive position. The President, Urry and Bannai Saketen works to identify new growth opportunities and implement innovative approaches to market penetration, driving sales volume and revenue. Takenaka's leadership ensures these specialized units operate efficiently and effectively, supporting the broader company mission.

    Yoshinari Owaki - Representative Director and President

    Yoshinari Owaki, the Representative Director and President at Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan, holds a pivotal position in guiding the company's strategic trajectory and operational execution. Owaki is instrumental in setting the corporate agenda, ensuring that all business activities align with the company's mission and long-term objectives within the Japanese market. This executive oversees the integration of various business functions, fostering synergy between manufacturing, sales, and distribution to maximize efficiency and market impact. Yoshinari Owaki's leadership is crucial in navigating regulatory environments and fostering strong relationships with key partners and stakeholders across Japan. The Representative Director and President champions initiatives aimed at enhancing product quality, consumer engagement, and sustainable business practices. Through strategic oversight, Yoshinari Owaki drives the company's commitment to delivering exceptional value and maintaining its leadership position in the beverage industry.

    Harsh Kachhwaha - Head Chief Information Officer, Business Systems

    Harsh Kachhwaha, the Head Chief Information Officer, Business Systems at Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan, architects and executes the company's technology strategy. Kachhwaha is responsible for all IT infrastructure, business systems, and digital transformation initiatives that support Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan's operations. This includes overseeing the development and implementation of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, customer relationship management (CRM) platforms, and data analytics solutions. Kachhwaha's role is pivotal in enhancing operational efficiency, improving supply chain visibility, and enabling data-driven decision-making across the organization. By ensuring the seamless integration of technology, Harsh Kachhwaha supports the company's mission to deliver high-quality Coca-Cola products efficiently throughout Japan. The Head Chief Information Officer, Business Systems also manages cybersecurity protocols and data privacy, safeguarding sensitive company and customer information.

    Dr Gerold - Chief Risk Officer & Chief Revenue Officer

    Dr Gerold, the Chief Risk Officer & Chief Revenue Officer at Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan, spearheads initiatives to mitigate potential business risks while simultaneously driving revenue growth. Gerold establishes comprehensive risk management frameworks, identifying, assessing, and responding to threats across the company's operations, from supply chain disruptions to market volatility. Concurrently, this executive develops and implements strategies to maximize revenue streams, optimizing pricing, sales channels, and market penetration. Dr Gerold's dual focus ensures that business expansion is pursued with a strong emphasis on financial stability and resilience. By integrating risk assessment into revenue generation planning, Dr Gerold supports the sustainable expansion of Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan's market presence. This leadership position requires a deep understanding of both financial markets and consumer behavior within the Japanese beverage sector.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan?
    Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan is led by Bjorn Ulgenes (Group Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Calin Dragan (President & Representative & Director) and Brian Takenaka (President, Urry and Bannai Saketen).
    Who is part of Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan’s executive team?
    The executive team of Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan includes leaders such as Bjorn Ulgenes (Group Chief Financial Officer), Calin Dragan (President & Representative & Director), Brian Takenaka (President, Urry and Bannai Saketen) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan have?
    Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan includes roles such as Group Chief Financial Officer, President & Representative & Director, President, Urry and Bannai Saketen, Representative Director and President, Head Chief Information Officer, Business Systems.