Shiseido hit its 2020 sales goal of 1 trillion yen, or $9.45 billion, three years ahead of plan, has achieved a compounded annual growth rate of 9 percent, and has also maintained a significant presence in Japan and Asia. Leading the company’s remarkable achievements is Masahiko Uotani, President and Group CEO of Shiseido, who in just five years has positioned the company as a major global player, while building on the Japanese heritage it has cultivated for many years.

His appointment was a surprising choice as Mr. Uotani is the first President tapped from outside the company in its 145-year history. When he took the helm, Mr. Uotani was also new to beauty, having worked at Coca Cola for 18 years. Today, he oversees 46,000 people around the world in 120 countries, including the company’s portfolio of multiple prestige brands such as Shiseido, Clé de Peau Beauté, NARS, bareMinerals, Laura Mercier and Dolce&Gabbana fragrance.

His vision for Shiseido has been transformative. He modernized the traditional company to adapt to consumer changes; implemented a strategy that revived business growth in Japan while building its global footprint; and, re-organized the company structure to achieve long-term targets.

On June 6, Mr. Uotani will be traveling from Toyko to New York to join CEW for a one-on-one conversation where he will discuss the following:

  • Evolving Shiseido culture while respecting the company’s DNA
  • Opportunities for U.S. growth
  • Winning in China
  • Shiseido’s new $400 million innovation center in Yokohama

The event, Masahiko Uotani: Japan, The Next Epicenter of Innovation, will take place at The Roosevelt Hotel in Manhattan. Cocktails and networking will begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by the program at 6:30 p.m. To learn more and purchase tickets, click here.