Young Professionals to Watch: John Marasigan

The en World Japan senior consultant shares how the ACCJ has helped him step forward and grow

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). In this installment of our Young Professionals to Watch series, we talk to John Marasigan, a senior consultant at en world Japan, about the real-life lessons he has learned by participating in YPF events, which go beyond traditional networking to give young professionals opportunities to learn directly from senior ACCJ members in intimate settings.

What do you do at en world Japan?

As a consultant, I partner with executive leaders across all industries in Tokyo to solve complex challenges by offering interim talent solutions to their finance teams. My aim is to build genuine, lasting relationships and to become a trusted leader, both within my organization and across my professional network.

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

Through a YPF introduction, I connected with a founder of a renowned marketing company. What began as a mentorship request evolved into an opportunity to assist with key challenges, including introducing adviser-level professionals for his executive team.

Unfortunately, after presenting several potential advisers, the company decided to move forward with another option. This experience reinforced an important lesson: even with the best of intentions, outcomes may not always align with expectations. But it was a valuable opportunity to practice humility.

How does en world Japan empower its young professionals?

At en world Japan, I get to drive and grow my own business while benefiting from a supportive corporate framework—truly the best of both worlds. It’s a great fit for anyone with an entrepreneurial spirit who values the structure and resources of an established organization. You’ll have access to a warm network, a robust database, and a reliable back-office team—all working together to ensure your success.

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

Meeting with Dave Powell, the vice president and general manager of Disney+ in Japan, was a highlight. The office setting and lunch bento boxes were nice touches, but what truly mattered were the practical, eye-opening insights he shared. I especially appreciated his advice on volunteering for tasks others avoid—an effective way to build reliability and responsibility within your organization. Access to leaders like Dave is what makes the YPF group special; it fosters conversations that go far deeper than the surface-level exchanges typical at most networking events.

What are your expectations for the YPF and the ACCJ?

I hope the YPF and ACCJ will invest more in younger professionals. That means making events more accessible, providing hands-on guidance, and offering real encouragement—especially for those new to networking. With Japan’s declining population and aging workforce, it is vital that we focus on developing tomorrow’s leaders. Let’s give them the spotlight, meaningful responsibilities, and the support they need to step forward and grow.

Making a Difference

The ACCJ Journal also spoke to Marasigan’s manager, Adrian Lee, about his contributions.

“John exemplifies the qualities of a highly driven and ambitious professional, characterized by a profound dedication to continuous learning, refinement of his expertise, and the cultivation of meaningful professional networks,” said Lee, senior manager of en world Japan’s Contract Professionals Division. “Organizations such as the ACCJ and groups like the YPF serve as invaluable platforms, fostering environments where individuals like John can excel and further distinguish themselves within their industries. By offering access to thought leadership, expert-led seminars, and collaborative workshops—alongside opportunities for interaction with like-minded business professionals—the events they host provide the resources that underpin John’s consistent excellence as a top performer within our firm.”

Lee also noted how Marasigan has distinguished himself in an industry often marked by transactional exchanges by adopting a consultative approach.

“He prioritizes building genuine rapport with clients, gaining a nuanced understanding of their specific needs, and delivering tailored insights and market intelligence,” Lee said. “This approach empowers clients to make strategic, well-informed decisions regarding their hiring objectives, and reflects John’s unwavering commitment to elevating professional standards and outcomes.”

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.”