“Japan has given me almost everything: a great life, an exciting career and a loving family. The personal trust, business sincerity, and long-term mindset of Japanese culture shaped me as a person. So now it is time and my turn for Ongaeshi. AKISHA is my way of giving back to the country that gave me everything.”
Rob VAN NYLEN – Chief Purpose & Sourcing Officer (CPSO)
Expert in Strategic Acquisitions | 25+ Years in Customer-Centric Business Development
Rob Van Nylen serves as Chief Sourcing Officer (CSO) at AKISHA KK, where he leads the company’s strategic acquisitions of Japanese manufacturing SMEs. With more than 25 years of experience in customer-focused business development and international consulting, Rob plays a critical role in identifying, negotiating, acquiring and integrating high-potential Japanese manufacturing companies that face succession challenges, into AKISHA’s growing portfolio.
His work ensures that these businesses and their legacy is not only preserved, but also primed for long-term growth—both domestically and internationally. Rob’s deep knowledge of Japanese corporate culture, combined with his hands-on experience in cross-border operations and a track record of global business development, allows him to bridge gaps and build trust between owners, employees, and all stakeholders.
Rob’s professional background spans both private and public sectors, having worked with, amongst others:
- Cartamundi (Belgium)
- Centrica Business Solutions (UK)
- Goodman (fka Eurinpro) (Australia)
- TEPCO Ventures (Japan)
- Belgian Olympic Committee -Tokyo Olympics 2020 (Belgium)
- Delegation of the European Union to Japan (Japan)
- EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation (Belgium)
This broad exposure enables him to approach each acquisition and partnership from a holistic, cross-cultural perspective, focusing on long-term value creation.
Originally from Belgium, Rob holds a Master’s degree in Japanese Studies from the Catholic University of Leuven (KU Leuven). He also completed post-graduate studies in European export strategies to Japan at EHSAL Management School in Brussels, after he finished 1 year as former Japanese Prime Minister Noburo Takeshita scholarship fellow at Kansai University.
Linguistically versatile, Rob is:
- Highly proficient in business Japanese
- Fluent in Dutch, English, and French
This multilingual fluency is key to navigating the complex cultural dynamics of Japan–Europe business relations.