IIC Partners Adds New Member Firm in Tokyo
September 4, 2025 – IIC Partners Executive Search Worldwide has expanded in Japan with the addition of FocusCore Group K.K. in Tokyo as its newest member firm. “We are delighted to welcome the FocusCore team to IIC Partners,” said Christine Hayward, executive director of IIC Partners. “With their stellar reputation and deep expertise in the Japanese market—particularly in finance and accounting leadership—they are a tremendous asset to our global network and a key partner in our continued expansion across Asia Pacific.”
Founded in 2011, FocusCore is an executive search firm specializing in leadership roles across finance and accounting, consumer markets, professional services, industrial, and life sciences and healthcare. In addition to its core executive search services, FocusCore offers clients specialized executive coaching and interim leadership solutions.
With over 50 years of combined local market experience on its leadership team, FocusCore is an advisor to international businesses operating in Japan. The firm is recognized for its long-term partnership model and its commitment to excellence, transparency, and collaboration, IIC explained. As a respected thought leader, the firm also produces “The FocusCore Podcast,” providing valuable insights into Japan’s business landscape.
“Joining IIC Partners connects us with a global network of exceptional firms, deeply enhancing our cross-border search capabilities,” said David Sweet, founder and CEO of FocusCore. “We are excited to leverage global best practices and industry insights for our clients, while sharing our deep understanding of the Japanese market with international colleagues.”
Japan is the third largest national economy in the world, after the U.S. and China, in terms of nominal GDP. The country has a large industrial capacity, and is home to some of the largest and most technologically advanced producers of motor vehicles, electronics, machine tools, steel and nonferrous metals, ships, chemical substances, textiles and processed foods. Japan’s top global brands include Toyota, Honda, Canon, Nissan, Sony, Mitsubishi UFJ (MUFG), Panasonic, Uniqlo, Lexus, Subaru, Nintendo, Bridgestone, Mazda and Suzuki.
Related: IIC Partners Makes Global Board Appointments
IIC Partners specializes in executive search and leadership consulting services. The group has 39 independently owned and managed member firms with more than 450 consultants in 42 cities across 29 countries. Areas of sector specialization include industrial, financial services, consumer and retail, energy, life sciences, technology, board, higher education, infrastructure, and human resources.
New Greek Member
In May, IIC added Athens, Greece-based Searchlight Partners as a member firm. “We are delighted to welcome Searchlight Partners into membership,” said Ms. Hayward. “They bring deep expertise in executive search and people strategy, and a solid track record in the technology, professional services, and life sciences sectors. They are a valuable addition to our global network, and we look forward to new opportunities for collaboration across the region and beyond.”
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Searchlight Partners is a boutique executive search and people advisory firm known for its tailored, human-centric approach. The firm’s team serves clients across the technology, professional services, pharma, and life sciences sectors. With assignments completed in over 20 countries, Searchlight Partners brings a global perspective and deep functional expertise.
Under the leadership of Petros Mihos, Searchlight Partners maintains a partner-led model, ensuring senior-level involvement throughout every client engagement. “With a strong emphasis on long-term partnerships and measurable outcomes, the firm is recognized as a trusted advisor to organizations seeking to strengthen leadership, elevate talent strategies, and drive sustainable growth,” IIC Partners said.
Related: IIC Partners Adds New Member Firm in San Francisco
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
