Sansan names Rio Inaba as new Singapore and APAC COO

He'll focus on developing new business opportunities.

Sansan, Japan’s leading provider of cloud-based business card management service, has announced the appointment of Rio Inaba as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) for Singapore and Asia-Pacific, effective February 1, 2016. This announcement comes on the heels of Sansan’s successful round of Series C funding, raising a significant capital of S$24.2 million.

According to a release from Sansan, this new boost of capital helps drive Sansan commitment to the market and invest in great talent to explore the growth prospects the market offers. In this new role, Rio will lead Sansan’s business in Singapore and APAC region with a focus on developing new business opportunities and reaching out to institutional and government organizations.

“Singapore is an important growth market for Sansan and we are committed to grow our business here. Rio’s appointment is a step taken in that direction as we strengthen our resources here to be well placed and serve the growing interest received for our platform,” said Chika Terada, Founder & CEO of Sansan. “We are excited to have Rio join us in this capacity, particularly at this important time for our company when we are focused on moving with quick strides to unearth opportunities in the region. Rio’s deep management experience and strong proven track record in Asia will only help further propel our efforts in accelerating our growth agenda.”

Here's more from Sansan:

Rio has over 17 years of experience in creating successful business and marketing strategies for internet and technology companies across Asia Pacific and United States. Prior to joining Sansan, Rio, held the leadership position at Rakuten Asia as the President & Director for New Market Development based in Singapore and Indonesia. Rio has also held several other leadership positions in his professional stint and has worked to drive business in the US, Japan, and Asian counties with international MNCs such as AT&T Internet, Black & Decker and Adidas corporation.

“I am eager to work with such a talented and bright team at Sansan, they have been on an upward trajectory and have all the right components for a great business solution. Singapore is one of the world’s fastest adopters of cloud-based business solutions, and I am confident that we can leverage on this opportunity and tap on the growing pool of businesses here that are looking to take advantage of the cloud network and drive the smart nation initiative." said Rio Inaba.

Rio specialises in new market developments, cross border post acquisition management, sales & marketing management within Asia and US. He holds an MA in International Management from the University of Texas at Dallas.