Introduction of the Management Team
Harry A. Hill
Hill served as President and CEO of Oak Lawn Marketing, Inc. for 11.5 years, from 2006 to 2017. During his tenure, the company's sales increased from \15 billion to \68 billion, and it launched numerous hit products that became household names. Through its Shop Japan business, the company created new niche product categories, including contour overlay mattresses, home fitness equipment, ceramic cookware, and steam cleaners, and developed them into enduring brands. Together with his management team, Hill built a strong corporate culture based on the vision of "Enriching Lifestyles Worldwide." In 2009, while Hill was serving as President and CEO, Oak Lawn Marketing entered into a capital alliance with NTT DOCOMO. DOCOMO acquired ordinary shares representing a 51% interest in the company. The transaction was said to be one of the largest M&A transactions of 2009. Hill stepped down as President and CEO in September 2017 and currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors.
Hill is active as both a business and civic leader and continues to be actively involved in the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ). He is particularly passionate about the work of HOPE International Development Agency, Japan, a certified nonprofit organization that provides clean water to people living in developing countries. Following the Great East Japan Earthquake, he also established the Genki Japan Fund, which supported 77 organizations and individuals in rebuilding their livelihoods. One recipient captured Hill's philosophy well: "If we receive help to rebuild our livelihoods, we can rebuild our homes and communities ourselves."
In both his business and civic activities, Hill is guided by the principles of self-reliance, empowerment, education, and an optimistic vision for the future. His favorite Japanese word is the homonym souzou―想像, meaning "imagination," and 創造, meaning "creation." Hill's management and leadership philosophy combines the ability to imagine unrealized potential with a concrete blueprint for achieving it. He believes that the two concepts must coexist to achieve sustained success.
Hill and his wife have five children. The family is actively involved in sports and the local community. Hill has supported and performed with a local Shakespeare group, holds a fifth-degree black belt in Shorinji Kempo, and practices kickboxing.

