Japan Launch & Expansion
General Manager, Japan
Pinterest is a visual discovery platform where people can find, save, and shop for ideas. It acts as a digital pinboard for users to curate and organize inspiration, from recipes and home decor to fashion and travel. Pinterest also offers advertising products for businesses to reach users interested in their products or services.
Prior to Pinterest’s product launch in Japan, we partnered with their first JP Country Manager to support its service launch and go-to-market team buildout.
The Challenge.
When Pinterest set its sights on Japan, the mission was clear but complex: support the build of a localized product that resonated with Japanese users and assemble a world-class team to drive long-term growth. At the time, social media was still gaining traction in Japan, presenting both a unique opportunity and a significant challenge.
We partnered closely with Pinterest to conduct in-depth market research in identify talent in core business functions, resulting in the hiring of key foundational leaders. These individuals not only shaped Pinterest’s success in Japan but also played a pivotal role in influencing the company’s broader strategy and leadership across the APAC region.
The Approach.
One of Pinterest’s primary business objectives was to grow its user base and expand the volume of content on the platform. To support this goal, we were brought on to lead strategic hiring efforts aimed at driving user adoption and engagement. Our initial placements focused on high-impact roles across Community Marketing, Growth Marketing, Growth Operations, and Strategic Partnerships, each functional played a critical role in accelerating growth and building a thriving ecosystem of creators and users.
The Outcome.
Pinterest has maintained a presence in Japan for more than a decade, steadily growing its footprint and deepening its local engagement. Today, the company operates with a dedicated team of over 50 employees in the region, reflecting its long-term commitment to the Japanese market.
In 2020, Pinterest achieved a significant milestone by launching monetization efforts in Japan. This successful expansion paved the way for the growth of its core commercial teams and further strengthened its business operations in the country.
Many of Pinterest's earliest hires in Japan have since advanced into broader regional leadership roles. Their progression highlights Pinterest’s strong focus on talent development and its commitment to empowering local teams to drive impact across the Asia-Pacific region.