Matsuo Iwata, MBA 1992
Successfully Grows Western Companies in Japan

As former CEO of Starbucks Coffee Japan, Iwata successfully grew the business and sustained the Starbucks brand's leadership position in Japan's specialty coffee industry. After graduating from UCLA Anderson, he held positions at Coca Cola Japan Co., Ltd.; ATLUS Co. Ltd.; and Takara Co., Ltd. Iwata has extensive experience growing Western companies in his home country. Prior to joining Starbucks Coffee Japan, he served as president and CEO of AEON FOREST CO., LTD., The Body Shop master franchisee in Japan. Under Iwata's leadership from 2005 to 2009, The Body Shop showed its greater presence in the retail field by making a twofold increase in sales. He currently serves as a senior advisor at Polaris Capital Group Co., Ltd

Additional Links
• Starbucks Coffee Japan Appoints Matsuo Iwata, Chief Executive Officer Designate