The leadership team at SmartNews is the driving force behind the company's strategic direction. They make key decisions that align with the company's mission, ensuring every move supports their overarching goals. This team is dedicated to fostering a culture of innovation and growth, encouraging new ideas and continuous improvement.
Bringing together expertise from various fields, the SmartNews leadership team excels in operational excellence and collaboration. Their diverse backgrounds enable them to tackle challenges from multiple angles, creating a dynamic and effective management style. This collaborative approach ensures that SmartNews remains at the forefront of the industry.
1) Ken Suzuki
Ken Suzuki, the Co-Founder and CEO of SmartNews, has been instrumental in shaping the company's vision and strategic direction. His leadership has been pivotal in driving the company's growth and innovation.
Under Suzuki's guidance, SmartNews has seen significant advancements in its technology and user engagement. His expertise in complex systems and artificial life has been crucial in developing the platform's sophisticated algorithms.
With a Ph.D. and a Master's degree from The University of Tokyo, Suzuki brings a deep understanding of complex systems to SmartNews. His academic background and experience as a Project Researcher at The University of Tokyo have equipped him with the skills necessary to lead cutting-edge initiatives at the company.
2) Kaisei Hamamoto
Kaisei Hamamoto, the Co-Founder, COO, and Chief Engineer at SmartNews, is responsible for overseeing the company's operations and engineering efforts. His expertise in computer engineering plays a crucial role in driving the technological advancements of the platform.
Hamamoto's professional journey includes significant roles such as Director at Rmake Co, Ltd. and Software Engineer at Open Knowledge Corporation. His extensive experience in software development and leadership has equipped him with the skills necessary to manage complex projects and lead engineering teams effectively.
At SmartNews, Hamamoto's impact is evident in the seamless integration of innovative technologies and operational efficiencies. His leadership ensures that the company remains competitive and continues to deliver high-quality news content to its users.
3) Paul Maeda
Paul Maeda, the Vice President of Engineering, Ads and Product Features at SmartNews, is responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of ad products and key product features. His contributions have been pivotal in enhancing the platform's advertising capabilities and user experience.
Maeda's career spans over a decade, with significant roles at SmartNews and DeNA. His expertise in software engineering and product management has driven numerous successful projects, showcasing his specialized skills in computer science and machine learning.
At SmartNews, Maeda manages multiple engineering teams, focusing on ad product innovation and feature development. His leadership ensures the seamless integration of new technologies, maintaining the platform's competitive edge in the industry.
4) Dennis Moss
Dennis Moss, the Director of Talent / US at SmartNews, is responsible for leading executive hiring and talent acquisition strategies. His expertise in executive recruiting and social recruiting ensures that SmartNews attracts top-tier talent to drive its growth and innovation.
With a professional background that includes founding Moss Communications and holding executive roles at Ziff-Davis Publishing, Moss brings a wealth of experience in sales, marketing, and event management. His academic background from the Hutchins School of Liberal Studies at Sonoma State University further complements his interdisciplinary approach to talent management.
5) Takahiro Ogoshi
Takahiro Ogoshi, the Director of Product, Ads / Tokyo at SmartNews, is responsible for overseeing the development and optimization of advertising products. His unique contributions have significantly enhanced the platform's ad capabilities, driving user engagement and revenue growth.
With a career spanning roles at Micoworks株式会社, CyberAgent, and CA ADvance, Ogoshi brings extensive experience in product management and development. His notable achievements include leading key projects that have streamlined ad operations and introduced innovative ad features, solidifying SmartNews's competitive position in the market.
6) Yuya MacHida
Yuya MacHida, the Director of Product, Growth / Tokyo at SmartNews, is responsible for driving the company's growth initiatives and optimizing product strategies. His expertise in business planning and product management ensures that SmartNews continues to expand its user base and enhance its offerings.
Before joining SmartNews, MacHida held significant roles at Rakuten Asia Pte. Ltd. as General Manager, where he honed his skills in strategic planning and management. His academic background from Keio University further complements his professional experience, making him a valuable asset to the SmartNews team.
7) Rich Jaroslovsky
Rich Jaroslovsky serves as the Vice President for Content and Chief Journalist at SmartNews, where he oversees content strategy and journalistic standards. His expertise in media and journalism ensures the platform delivers high-quality news to its users.
Jaroslovsky's career spans significant roles, including founding the Online News Association and serving as Executive Editor at Bloomberg News. His contributions at SmartNews include managing key projects that enhance content delivery and user engagement.
SmartNews Org Chart
At the top of the organizational chart for SmartNews is Ken Suzuki, the Co-Founder and CEO, who sets the strategic direction and vision for the company. Reporting directly to him is Kaisei Hamamoto, the Co-Founder, COO, and Chief Engineer, who oversees operations and engineering, ensuring technological advancements align with the company's goals.
Supporting the core leadership are key executives such as Paul Maeda, the Vice President of Engineering, Ads and Product Features, and Dennis Moss, the Director of Talent / US, who manage specialized teams to drive innovation and talent acquisition. Additionally, Takahiro Ogoshi, the Director of Product, Ads / Tokyo, and Yuya MacHida, the Director of Product, Growth / Tokyo, focus on optimizing ad products and growth strategies, respectively, while Rich Jaroslovsky, the Vice President for Content and Chief Journalist, ensures the delivery of high-quality news content.