Open-minded. Analytical. Those are the first two characteristics that Andy Ito mentions when asked to describe himself. What personality traits could be more helpful in a search consultant? The open-mindedness means that Andy doesn’t come to the table with pre-conceived ideas; he’s willing to listen and encourages candidates and clients to communicate openly. The analytical side of Andy’s nature indicates that all aspects of candidates and positions will receive careful thought and study before recommendations are considered.

Andy is a native of Japan and has extensive experience working as a liaison between American and Japanese management. Most recently, he served Pearl Corporation, the largest percussion instrument manufacturer in the world, as president and CEO of their US operation. Pearl Corporation’s chief function is sales, marketing and distribution and under Andy’s leadership Pearl realized the #1 market share in North America. He continues work as a director or in an advisory capacity for various companies in the US, Japan, Taiwan, China, Thailand and the Netherlands.

As Pearl Corporation CEO, Andy was directly involved with hiring managers for the subsidiary of a Japanese owned company. This experience provided clear understanding of the skills and characteristics required for successfully working in Japanese corporate culture. The multi-national facet of Andy’s work helped him develop effective communications skills with people from many countries and to appreciate the variations in different business cultures.

This wide range of multi-cultural business experience has given Andy exceptional insight into American-Japanese cultural diversity. This insight, in turn, provides him a unique vantage point from which to work as an executive search consultant, matching candidates with positions in Japanese companies.

Asked what advice he has for candidates, Andy responds that he first needs to know whether a candidate has a strategy for their career development. He believes it’s crucial for job-seekers to identify their priorities before starting a search for a new job or a different career.

Contact Andy at andyito@winadvisorygroup.com.