H.I. Executive Consulting Opens New Office in Tokyo
April 10, 2025 – Global search firm H.I. Executive Consulting (HIEC) has strengthened its presence across the Asia-Pacific region with the opening of a new office in Tokyo, Japan. The firm has appointed George Johnson as a partner to lead the office. The expansion builds upon the firm’s presence in Hong Kong, Singapore, Shanghai and Sydney, reflecting HIEC’s commitment to providing connected global executive search services to clients across technology and software, consumer, financial services & real assets, industrial technology & energy transition, business & professional services and private equity throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
“Japan represents a critical market in our global growth strategy, and having carried out senior search assignments in Japan for over 10 years, establishing a dedicated office in Tokyo is a natural progression for our firm,” said Philip Boyd, global managing partner, HIEC. “This expansion allows us to better serve our international clients looking to access the JAPAC market while providing deeper support to companies seeking global talent.”
“The addition of our Tokyo office completes our strategic footprint in Asia’s most significant economies,” said managing partner, Heather Grayson, Asia-Pacific, HIEC. “With offices now in Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore, Sydney and now Tokyo, we offer comprehensive coverage across the region, operating under our one global P&L and a unified resourcing model, which distinguishes us from traditional executive search firms.”
Mr. Johnson joins as a partner in HIEC’s global technology and software practice and will lead the Tokyo office and support the firm’s wider APAC business as co-lead. He brings over 25 years of executive search experience across London, Tokyo, and other major Asia-Pacific markets. Prior to joining HIEC, Mr. Johnson was founder and managing partner at a global boutique firm specializing in senior talent for high-growth and disruptive companies, where he led the technology & digital practice for the region. His sector expertise spans software, technology, consumer and digital markets, with a special focus on board, CEO and senior commercial positions.
“The Tokyo office will enhance our position in Japan and across Asia whilst supporting cross-border assignments across all HIEC practice areas,” the firm said. “The team will provide industry insights, future outlooks, and data-driven assessments about industries and global economics to support clients in navigating the future of leadership. The Tokyo office will enhance HIEC’s position in the JAPAC market while supporting cross-border assignments across all practice areas. The team will help clients navigate Japan’s rapidly evolving technology sectors, including analytics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning – areas expected to see significant growth.”
Related: HIEC Continues Expansion
H.I. Executive Consulting is a global transformational executive search firm founded in 2007, focused on hiring transformational board, CEO, and senior-level executives globally for digital focused clients. The firm operates across 13 offices in North America, Europe, Middle East, and Asia-Pacific.
Recent Expansion
HIEC recently expanded with the addition of Lee Brantingham as a partner based in Hong Kong. “Lee brings invaluable expertise to both the technology & software and private equity practice groups, enhancing the firm’s presence across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region,” the search firm said. “We are excited to have Lee join our team at HIEC, especially given his impressive track record in the technology and private equity sectors in Asia,” said Tim Chamberlain, managing partner and global co-leader, software & technology practice, HIEC. “His deep understanding of the regional market dynamics and his ability to attract high-caliber leadership talent are invaluable to our firm.”
H.I. Executive Consulting Appoints CEO
H.I. Executive Consulting has named Stacey Mainiero as its CEO, based in New York. “It gives me great pleasure to welcome Stacey to HIEC during an exciting period for the firm,” said chairman Michael Bornhaeusser. We are a fast-growing organization focused on delivering transformational leaders for our digital focused clients and Stacey’s skills and experience will prove invaluable as HIEC enters the next phase of its growth acceleration journey with expansion into new markets and territories. I wish Stacey every success in her new role.”
Mr. Brantingham joined HIEC with over 20 years of experience in Greater China, having lived in Shanghai, Taipei, and Hong Kong. He was previously co-managing of NGS Global’s Singapore office. Mr. Brantingham has made placements in senior roles within internet search, auctions, payments, and cloud sectors. Additionally, he has experience in enterprise software, the semiconductor ecosystem, and electronic manufacturing services. Most of Mr. Brantingham’s executive search work has been centered on recruiting country and regional heads and their direct reports.
“Joining HIEC is a significant milestone in my career,” Mr. Brantingham said. “I am excited to apply my regional expertise and extensive experience in executive search to further strengthen the firm’s capabilities in the technology and private equity practice groups. I am committed to delivering exceptional results for our clients globally.”
Related: HIEC Expands Industrial and Consumer and Retail Practices
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
