Takehiko Ono
Head of Value-up
creating the
Message
The days of my entrepreneurial challenges remain vivid in my memory. The passion burned within me as I dreamed of how I would change the world. The admiration (and slight envy) I once felt towards successful entrepreneurs has, through many twists and turns, transformed into a deep respect for all founders.
In my current position, I find great fulfillment supporting those who are giving their all and betting their lives on their dreams. To the passionate entrepreneurs out there, let us join forces to create vibrant, groundbreaking companies.
Biography
Today, I find myself in a role that bridges management and organization. Supporting the operations of entrepreneurs who are far more talented than myself gives me a sense of fulfillment, as if I am making up for the aspirations of my past.
While this was not something I had planned, it does feel inevitable. After choosing to exit halfway through my entrepreneurial journey at the age of twenty-eight, I found myself unsatisfied. In pursuit of something greater, I indulged my whims and sought constant stimulation. I walked an unconventional career path as a consultant, headhunter, and corporate executive. When I want to impress, I list off these titles, but you could say that I simply brought to life my vague desire to make my existence a dramatic one.
Personal Keywords
soccer, playing guitar, virtual racing driver, Italy, architecture and interior design, coffee
Career
After graduating from Waseda University with a degree in commerce, Takehiko Ono joined Accenture. Two and a half years later, in 1999, he left to establish ProTrade, which was subsequently acquired by Rakuten. He then worked in Rakuten's President's Office before pursuing his MBA in Italy. Upon his return to Japan, he joined the management team at Vissel Kobe. He served as an executive at a design-focused home appliance startup, then joined executive search firm Egon Zehnder in 2008, where he conducted assessments, coaching, and headhunting for C-suites, eventually becoming a partner in 2016. In 2017, he joined ZOZO, where he was responsible for the ZOZO SUIT business, leading the launch of private brands and global expansion. At the end of 2019, he joined GLOBIS Capital Partners.
He holds a degree in commerce from Waseda University and an MBA from Bocconi University in Milan.
Media / Publications
The Art of Choosing People. (Forest Publishing)
SNS
