President / CEO of the U.S. Subsidiary | Japanese Restaurant Group

A Japanese restaurant group with a portfolio of dining brands originating in Japan is seeking a President / CEO to lead its U.S. operations.

The company currently operates a Japanese café brand based in Los Angeles and is planning nationwide expansion through both company-owned locations and a franchise network.

The North American business is entering a significant growth phase, with opportunities extending far beyond the operation of existing stores. This role will lead the development of the overall business strategy, organizational structure, franchise headquarters functions, and the infrastructure required to support new store openings across the United States.

＜Position Summary＞
As the President / CEO of the U.S. subsidiary, you will be responsible for leading the company’s entire North American business.
This executive leadership role extends well beyond overseeing existing store operations. You will be responsible for driving the
company’s long-term business strategy, organizational development, new store expansion, franchise growth, financial performance,
talent acquisition, and leadership development across the region.
Working closely with the headquarters in Japan, you will serve as the key decision-maker for the U.S. entity and lead the continued
growth and expansion of the North American business.

＜Key Responsibilities＞
・Lead the overall management and operations of the U.S. subsidiary as President / CEO
・Develop and execute business strategies and long-term growth plans for North America
・Oversee financial performance, including revenue, profitability, budgeting, and cash flow management
・Improve operational performance and profitability of existing locations
・Lead new store development and market expansion initiatives
・Develop and execute the company’s franchise strategy, including franchise partner acquisition and support
・Build and lead the local organization through recruitment, leadership development, and performance management
・Manage regional leadership teams, including store managers and senior management
・Drive marketing initiatives and brand strategy tailored to the U.S. market
・Report directly to the executive leadership team in Japan and participate in executive management meetings
・Adapt business operations, products, and services to meet the needs of the U.S. market
・Build and maintain relationships with investors, financial institutions, landlords, and strategic business partners

＜Qualifications＞
・Legally authorized to work in the United States (U.S. citizens and Green Card holders are preferred)
Visa sponsorship may be considered depending on qualifications and experience.
・Bilingual in Japanese and English
Japanese: Professional proficiency sufficient to conduct meetings, reporting, and negotiations with headquarters in Japan
English: Business-level proficiency with the ability to negotiate effectively with investors, financial institutions, and business partners
・Proven executive leadership experience overseeing a multi-unit restaurant operation with approximately 5–10 locations
・Approximately 10+ years of executive management experience in the United States (President, CEO, or equivalent executive-level role)
・Demonstrated full P&L responsibility for a business generating annual revenues in the billions of Japanese yen (or equivalent)
・Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills with the ability to make data-driven business decisions
・Self-directed executive with sound judgment, accountability, and ownership for business results
・Resilient, execution-oriented leader with excellent communication and relationship-building skills

【Keywords】
①CEO
②Business Development
③P&L Management