Young Professionals to Watch: Sari Koyama

Digital marketer cultivates connections at Kraft Heinz Japan

The Young Professionals Forum (YPF) serves as a platform to connect working professionals aged 35 and under within the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ). This is the first in our Young Professionals to Watch series, which will spotlight active YPF members who are making waves in their respective companies and the chamber. For the inaugural edition, The ACCJ Journal sat down with Kraft Heinz Japan Digital Marketing Manager Sari Koyama to find out how she cultivates lasting connections with Kraft Heinz customers and YPF members.

What do you do at Kraft Heinz Japan?

I specialize in digital marketing. I originally worked as a member of the brand category team, creating strategy for products and activation for Heinz pasta and cooking sauces.

Since 2023, I have been the digital marketing manager, mainly focusing on digital consumer-facing communications, such as website and social media operations as well as campaign implementation to grow awareness of all our brands.

What is the most memorable project you’ve worked on? How did being a young professional make a difference?

In 2024, social media was one of our key focuses. It is an indispensable medium for the consumer journey that leads the expansion of brand awareness.

By transitioning to more strategic and efficient operations—as well as conducting regular campaigns, hopping on internet trends, and strengthening direct communication with consumers—more people became aware of our accounts and became Heinz fans.

I use many social media platforms outside work. I believe that an in-depth understanding of user behavior, based on personal experience, is a strength young professionals bring to a company.

How does Kraft Heinz Japan empower young professionals?

Heinz has a corporate culture that respects all opinions and judges ideas based on their content, regardless of a person’s age or experience. I believe that Heinz is a workplace where young professionals have many opportunities to realize their own ideas. Also, we are not overly attached to traditional ways of thinking and are always striving to make things better. This creates a good environment for young professionals.

Do you have a memorable moment from a YPF or ACCJ event?

The first event I attended was the YPF Cross-Chamber Speed Networking in 2023. It is not often that you are able to meet new people once you start working, but this event allowed me to connect with exciting and fun people from different industries, nationalities, and companies whom I would not have met if not for the YPF. I hope these connections will continue to inspire and encourage me both personally and professionally.

What are your expectations for the YPF and the ACCJ?

YPF members are passionate about their careers and eager to learn about things outside of their day-to-day lives. I am happy to have opportunities to connect with fellow young professionals at various events, exchange information, expand my worldview, and inspire others. Also, since this is an especially hard stage of life, where many of the decisions I make today will have a direct impact on my future, I hope to have more opportunities to talk to and learn from role models through the ACCJ.

Making a Difference

The ACCJ Journal also spoke to Steve Briggs, The Kraft Heinz Company’s president for Northeast Asia, about Koyama’s contributions.

“Koyama-san is an important part of Heinz Japan’s team, bringing a fresh and innovative approach to digital marketing,” said Briggs, who is also an ACCJ vice president. “Her understanding of social media trends and user behavior has been instrumental in expanding brand awareness and building a loyal consumer base.

“As a member of the ACCJ’s Young Professionals Forum, Koyama-san exemplifies the value of fostering connections and professional growth, both within the company and the broader business community,” he continued. “Her ability to navigate new ideas, collaborate across teams, and inspire others contributes to cultivating a vibrant culture where young professionals can thrive and innovate. Having someone like Koyama-san on the team not only drives results but also strengthens Kraft Heinz Japan’s position as a forward-thinking organization.”