Our People

Akira is a former Itochu executive and as such has executed various international projects for example in Nigeria and the USA. He is an advisor to PDIE Group as he wishes to give back to the next generations and is fully aligned with the vision to co-create a better tomorrow by sustainable innovation. He also coaches C-Level executives in Japan.  

As the founder and CEO of rainmaker advisory, Hideo leverages 30+ years of experience in the marketing and advertising industry to help clients innovate and grow their businesses. He has studied at colleges in both Japan and US and has a proven track record of leading and managing successful global and integrated marketing campaigns, brand architecture, and strategic partnerships.

Before starting his own consulting firm, he was the executive director of Dentsu Innovation Initiative, where he spearheaded the R&D and implementation of cutting-edge solutions for the group. Prior to that, he was the president and CEO of Dentsu Aegis Network (Japan), where he oversaw the operations and performance of the largest media and communications network in the country. He is passionate about creating value for clients and delivering results that exceed their expectations.

Mimi Ishio is a dynamic entrepreneur and investor dedicated to creating a positive global impact. 

Since 2018, Mimi has focused on societal and charitable contributions, supporting medical institutions, aiding children worldwide, rehabilitating child soldiers in Africa, installing water facilities in Vietnam, and supporting adoption agencies. Her philanthropy extends to funding socially impactful companies.

Mimi invests in several startups and serves as an advisor to numerous companies and organizations, showcasing her commitment to global betterment.

David is a teacher, award-winning author, and bilingual consultant on strategic global communications. During his 40 years in Japan, he has worked for a Japanese securities firm, both the Nikkei news group and Toyo Keizaimagazine, served as an interviewer for NHK-TV, and written key messages for both the 1996 and 2021 Olympics. Since forming a boutique consulting firm, he has helped dozens of major Japanese companies to enhance their brand strategies and improve their global communications. In addition to working with business, Russell has also done extensive work for the Japanese government, including: managing communications for a landmark international summit in Okinawa, serving as MC for a VIP event in NYC, and writing documents for METI, MOE, the Tourism Agency, and the City of Tokyo. He has authored over a dozen books (one of which was named Best Business and Management Book of the Year), written a landmark piece for the Harvard Business Review, and scores of magazine articles about Japanese business, culture, and government. He currently divides his time between offices in Tokyo and his home near Mt. Fuji.