Takeshi "Ken" Muro

VP, Head of Corporate Communications at MEDLEY, INC.

Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan

About

Takeshi earned both his BS and MS degrees from the University of Tokyo and began his career at Hakuhodo Inc. in 2003. There, he worked in PR and corporate communications for multinational brands such as Lexus and Sony. To further develop his global business expertise, he earned an MBA from the University of Michigan with sponsorship from Hakuhodo. He later led M&A and post-merger integration (PMI) initiatives for overseas agencies, and as Global Creative Director, provided executive-level consulting on marketing and branding, leveraging over 15 years of experience. In 2022, he joined Sansan, Inc. as Chief Communication Officer (CCO), where he oversaw both internal and external communications. Starting in 2024, he also took charge of corporate branding, the branding of Sansan’s sales DX service, and branding initiatives across group companies. In 2025, he transitioned to MEDLEY, INC. as Vice President, Head of Corporate Communications. In this role, he oversees all aspects of corporate communications, including internal and external strategies across domestic and international stakeholders. He is the recipient of numerous domestic and international awards, including the ACC Grand Prix, Golden SABRE Award, Spikes Asia Gold, Cannes PR Silver, and Cannes Lions Masters of Creativity. He has served as a jury member for Effie Asia Pacific, D&AD, and The One Show, and is also a lecturer at Sendenkaigi.

Experience

  • 執行役員 コーポレートコミュニケーション部長 at MEDLEY
    Mar 2025 - Present · 1 yr 4 mos

    Oversees Corporate Communications, including internal and external communications across domestic and international stakeholders

  • 執行役員/CCO at Sansan株式会社 / Sansan, Inc.
    Apr 2022 - Feb 2025 · 2 yrs 11 mos

    As Chief Communication Officer (CCO), oversaw both internal and external communications. Since 2024, also assumed responsibility for corporate branding, branding of the sales DX service “Sansan,” and branding initiatives across group companies. 1. Market Leadership through PR & Communication Excellence – Achieved No.1 Share of Voice and market share of Bill One through targeted PR, creating strategic keywords like “Invoice Network.” – Secured major media exposure (e.g., Nikkei, World Business Satellite), influencing public opinion and accelerating service adoption. 2. Brand Transformation & Strategic Messaging – Repositioned Sansan as a “New Customer Acquisition Solution,” shifting market perception and driving significant business growth. – Developed PR key messages for Eight and led the successful launch of digital features like My Eight Card and tap-to-exchange business cards. 3. Social Media & Digital Engagement Turnaround – Revamped Sansan’s official X, increasing positive sentiment and tripling followers within six months through creative content campaigns. – Launched Sansan’s official note for product storytelling, boosting brand engagement and community building. 4. Organizational Engagement & Global Communication – Established HR Communications Department to enhance internal branding; organized large-scale events and strengthened recruitment branding. – Build branding and marketing infrastructure for Sansan’s group companies; initiated global PR operations in collaboration with Singapore, Bangkok, and Cebu offices.

  • Hakuhodo Inc. (Permanent · 7 yrs 9 mos)
    • Deputy Head of Creative Consulting / Senior Director / Global Creative Director / PR Director
      Apr 2021 - Mar 2022 · 1 yr

      Manages 50+ top creators and IMC planners at newly organized Creative Consulting Division, which aims at redefining Hakuhodo’s creativity and bringing new revenue streams

    • Executive Manager / Creative Director / PR Director, Global Integrated Solution Division
      Apr 2020 - Mar 2021 · 1 yr

      Leads group of integration directors and planners; in charge of their career development and project management to provide international clients with integrated marketing solutions. Selected as judge for international awards 2020: -Effie Asia Pacific (marketing effectiveness award) -D&AD (Design & Art Direction award)

    • Executive Manager / PR Director, Global Integrated Solution Division
      Apr 2019 - Mar 2020 · 1 yr

      Lecturer of Global Marketing Course by SENDENKAIGI (Japanese biggest trade media for advertising / creativity)

  • Summer Trainee at McKinsey & Company
    Aug 2013 - Aug 2013 · 1 mo

    Participated in problem-solving training program for corporate-sponsored MBA candidates in Japan (selected by resume and interview), and won case competition

  • Project Manager at Hakuhodo Asia Pacific
    Jun 2013 - Aug 2013 · 3 mos

    Led special project of launching a new subsidiary of Hakuhodo in Bangkok by creating joint venture with Thai business partner