Godiva Success or "The Way of the Bow"

Please join FCC's special session on October 29th with a featured speaker - Jérôme Chouchan, the President of Godiva Japan since June 2010 who also oversees the markets of Japan, South Korea, Australia, Singapore and Franchise business in all Asia.

Mr. Jérôme Chouchan has tripled the revenue of Godiva Japan since he took charge as President & CEO in 2010. He is also well versed in Japanese culture and began practicing kyudo (traditional Japanese archery) 25 years ago, currently serving as a Board Director of the International Kyudo Federation. He holds a Kyudo Renshi (instructor’s license) and has reached 5th dan. In this talk, he links together these two aspects of his life in Japan.

In Kyudo, there is a phrase seisha hicchu (正射必中), which means that if you do things correctly, you will hit the target. Based on that proverb, Mr. Chouchan attempts to focus all his energy on maintaining a proper state of mind, thinking about what is right for customers by applying this concept to business. Focusing on form without thinking of the target will allow one to hit it naturally. Although Japanese companies sometimes attempt to imitate Europe and the United States, Mr. Chouchan believes that returning to the origin of Japanese value will provide clues to modern society, management, and innovations.

Mr. Chouchan’s recent book “TARGET” (English edition published in April 2018 by Lid Publications) has been well received in Japan.“TARGET” provides guidance and deep insights for people who wish to find an enhanced and richer meaning and a new approach to their career and company. Business can be much more successful, as well as more fulfilling and enjoyable, when it is practised with the right spirit. There is a deeper goal than merely aiming for sales and profit, just as shooting an arrow in accordance with ‘The Way of the Bow’ can be so much more enlightening than merely learning a technique for piercing a target made of paper.

Venue: Roppongi Hills Club

Date: October, 29th 2018

Time

• 18:30 Door open
• 19:00 Presentations, QA's and free discussion
• 20:15 Networking reception over food & drink
• 21:30 End of Evening

Fee: 6,000 yen for FCC members, 8,000 yen for non-FCC members

About the Speaker

Mr. Chouchan has more than 25 years' experience of luxury brand management in international markets, and more particularly in Japan and Asia. He is currently President of Godiva Japan since June 2010, and manages the markets of Japan, South Korea, Australia, Singapore and Franchise business in all Asia. Since he joined, the Japan business doubled its size in 5 years, through successful launching of innovative products, creative marketing strategy, and a multi-channel distribution strategy that cater various consumer needs.

He was Managing Director for Japan and Asia, for Lladro, the famous Spanish porcelain brand. During his term, the Lladro Japan business had grown over 40% and had had successfully launched unique dolls products such as Hina Ninghyo and Waka Musha that has delighted Japanese consumers. Previously he was in France for the L.V.M.H Group, as Business Development Director of Hennessey (Cognac) with the responsibility of both the Japanese Business Unit and the Hennessey Training & Promotion Division. Before entering LVMH, he joined the Lacoste Group (clothing band) and held in 1999 the position of North Asia Regional Director, based in Tokyo. In his earlier career, he initiated also the start up of two brand business in Asia and Japan, for the French High Jewelry brand "Mellerio dits Meller" and the French Government Mint "Monnaie de Paris".