SANRIO Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

SANRIO has 4 executives leading key functions including corporate strategy, business development, regional operations, and executive administration.

Driven by a commitment to character-based design and global licensing, SANRIO delivers joy through iconic products and stationery while maintaining a dominant market position in the international gift and accessories industry.

Leadership Roles at SANRIO

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Tomokuni Tsuji
  • Senior Managing Director, Business Strategy and Chief Executive Officer Office and - Wataru Nakatsuka
  • Chief Executive Officer (U.S. and the Americas) - Craig Takiguchi
  • Staff, Office To the President - Toshiharu Shibahara
  • Tomokuni Tsuji - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Tomokuni Tsuji, the President & Chief Executive Officer at SANRIO, directs the overarching vision for character design and global licensing operations. Overseeing the expansion of the brand portfolio, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that iconic characters like Hello Kitty maintain relevance across diverse international markets. This leadership role involves coordinating with creative teams to innovate stationery and gift product lines while driving long-term corporate growth. By aligning design output with consumer trends, Tomokuni Tsuji directly impacts the company's ability to secure market share in the competitive accessories sector. Ultimately, the President & Chief Executive Officer manages the strategic trajectory of the organization, ensuring that the brand remains a leader in character-based retail and licensing while fostering sustainable development across all global business units and regional headquarters.

    Wataru Nakatsuka - Senior Managing Director, Business Strategy and Chief Executive Officer Office and

    Wataru Nakatsuka, the Senior Managing Director, Business Strategy and Chief Executive Officer Office and at SANRIO, architects the internal frameworks that support corporate decision-making and strategic planning. Managing the interface between the executive office and operational departments, the Senior Managing Director, Business Strategy and Chief Executive Officer Office and ensures that business objectives align with the broader mission of character-driven product development. This role involves analyzing market data to optimize licensing agreements and product distribution channels. By streamlining communication across the organization, Wataru Nakatsuka facilitates efficient execution of high-level initiatives. The Senior Managing Director, Business Strategy and Chief Executive Officer Office and maintains a focus on operational excellence, ensuring that the company effectively leverages its intellectual property to drive revenue growth and maintain a strong presence in the global gift and stationery markets.

    Craig Takiguchi - Chief Executive Officer (U.S. and the Americas)

    Craig Takiguchi, the Chief Executive Officer (U.S. and the Americas) at SANRIO, drives regional growth and brand engagement across the Western Hemisphere. Overseeing the distribution of character-branded accessories and gifts, the Chief Executive Officer (U.S. and the Americas) ensures that the company's design philosophy resonates with local consumer preferences. This leadership role involves managing retail partnerships and expanding the footprint of licensed products throughout North and South America. By optimizing supply chain logistics and marketing efforts, Craig Takiguchi directly impacts the success of the brand in these critical markets. The Chief Executive Officer (U.S. and the Americas) coordinates with global leadership to ensure consistency in brand identity while adapting strategies to meet the unique demands of the Americas, ultimately securing a robust competitive position for the organization within the regional retail landscape.
    Craig Takiguchi

    Toshiharu Shibahara - Staff, Office To the President

    Toshiharu Shibahara, the Staff, Office To the President at SANRIO, supports the executive leadership team by managing administrative workflows and facilitating cross-departmental collaboration. Overseeing the daily operations of the presidential office, the Staff, Office To the President ensures that strategic priorities receive the necessary resources and attention. This role involves preparing critical documentation and coordinating meetings that shape the future of character licensing and product design. By maintaining clear communication channels between the executive suite and various business units, Toshiharu Shibahara enables the organization to respond rapidly to market shifts. The Staff, Office To the President contributes to the overall efficiency of the company, ensuring that leadership decisions are implemented effectively across all departments, thereby supporting the continued success of the brand in the global gift and accessories industry.

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding SANRIO Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads SANRIO?
    SANRIO is led by Tomokuni Tsuji (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Wataru Nakatsuka (Senior Managing Director, Business Strategy and Chief Executive Officer Office and) and Craig Takiguchi (Chief Executive Officer (U.S. and the Americas)).
    Who is part of SANRIO’s executive team?
    The executive team of SANRIO includes leaders such as Tomokuni Tsuji (President & Chief Executive Officer), Wataru Nakatsuka (Senior Managing Director, Business Strategy and Chief Executive Officer Office and), Craig Takiguchi (Chief Executive Officer (U.S. and the Americas)) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does SANRIO have?
    SANRIO has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in SANRIO’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of SANRIO includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Senior Managing Director, Business Strategy and Chief Executive Officer Office and, Chief Executive Officer (U.S. and the Americas), Staff, Office To the President.