K&L Spotlight 5: Board Director, Shimpei Mitsui

K&L has put itself out there and has actively pursued challenges since its founding. In this edition, we speak with Director Shimpei Mitsui about K&L's journey, the values cultivated over its long history, and the company’s current endeavors.

■ Could you share your background?

Before joining K&L, I worked at a customer relationship management (CRM) company, where my focus was on research and one-to-one marketing for the Japanese domestic market. However, I sought to broaden my expertise both globally and skill-wise, which led me to transition to K&L. Upon joining, I assumed sales responsibilities at the Tokyo office and subsequently, I spent approximately 10 years in Shanghai, China, overseeing the establishment of the office there. Now back at the Tokyo office, my primary focus is on acquiring new clients and serving as a director, contributing to the company's operations and the creation of new value.

■ What’s been your most memorable project or experience at K&L up till now?

Setting up the Shanghai office from scratch was a real adventure. From getting an office to growing the team and creating opportunities, it was a whirlwind of activity. Plus, being in China during its rapid transition from traditional to digital advertising made every day exhilarating. Seeing the country's booming growth and how it changed people's lives firsthand was an incredible experience.

■ How do you see K&L as a company?

At K&L, we value freedom a lot. We don't discourage those eager to push boundaries; instead, we empower them to do so boldly. From expanding globally to diversifying our endeavors, we're all about breaking barriers and fueling growth.

■ What are K&L's core values?

At K&L, we go beyond mere brand or product awareness; we forge meaningful connections between clients and end-users. That's where our true value lies. We boast a team of professionals not only versed in crafting overarching strategies like marketing and communications but also experts in creative, PR, and digital solutions. This enables us to empathize with our clients, deliver the optimized solutions for our? end-users, and foster profound connections between both parties. And what sets K&L apart is our ability to execute this with highly skilled, multilingual professionals adept in global marketing.

■ Who do you think would be a good fit for K&L?

We look for individuals with a keen sense of curiosity and strong critical thinking skills. Those who find interest in various subjects tend to excel and enjoy what they do, given the necessity for a deep understanding of our products and services. Our dynamic environment also rewards proactive individuals with ample opportunities for significant growth.

■ What's your future vision for K&L?

In today's advertising landscape, it's not just about creativity; it's about harnessing that creativity to maximize marketing impact. That's why we're strengthening our consulting team to craft even more comprehensive marketing strategies and support our creatives in delivering top-notch work at strategic touchpoints. Our aim is to keep expanding and become a go-to partner for clients both locally in Japan and internationally.

Thank you Mr. Mitsui!