Integrating Business Acumen with Technological Expertise

—Marubeni’s Digital Innovation Department leverages the diverse experience of members who came from various industries to drive its mission of business growth through digital technology. You also joined Marubeni as a mid-career hire.

Taketeru Santo:I began my career at a beverage manufacturer, overseeing sales-related system development in the IT systems department. At a consulting firm, I worked on short-term projects, but I joined Marubeni for the chance to engage more deeply in longer-term projects.

The Digital Innovation Department (then known as the Digital Innovation Office) seemed like a place where I could leverage the expertise I had built up over the years. I was also attracted by the opportunity to work across a wide range of industries and subjects in ways unique to a trading company. Although I looked at startups and business support companies, the breadth of Marubeni’s business interests drew me in. Many members have similar backgrounds in consulting, marketing, and data science within various industries.

—I understand that you are currently responsible for system development and platform construction. What kind of projects are you involved in?

Santo:In addition to system development, I am also involved in website development and draw on my consulting experience to develop strategies for boosting sales. I have many opportunities to work on launching new businesses as well.

Building the sort of platform systems that I work on requires a solid understanding of both business and technology. One needs a solid background in finance, marketing, and organizational management to move projects forward. A strong grasp of technology is also necessary from the standpoint of doing systems development.

I believe the mission of the Digital Innovation Department is not just to provide guidance on system development and utilizing digital technologies but also to create substantial businesses with a long-term perspective.

Image: Taketeru Santo

A Collaborative Environment of Diverse Expertise

─As someone actively engaged in the work, what do you feel are the strengths of Marubeni’s digital strategy?

Santo:I believe our strength lies in bringing together a diversity of expertise from various fields. For example, my consulting background gives me insight into management-related metrics. Within marketing, we have members with distinct specializations. The same goes for AI, where we have specialists in image-recognition as well as system development. Having a diverse team gives us the deep well of expertise needed to execute projects.

─What initiatives do you think will be increasingly important as digital technology, including AI, becomes indispensable for business in the future?

Santo:I think data utilization will be increasingly essential for creating large-scale businesses that involve a broad range of stakeholders over the long term. Marubeni operates across all aspects of business from upstream production and logistics to downstream product sales. Digitization at each of these stages will interconnect different types of data, leading to greater social impact.

As a platform provider, my goal is to generate significant value by integrating diverse data types. It is rare to be a part of a business that spans all layers from upstream to downstream, and I believe Marubeni will unlock more potential as we continue to grow our business as a comprehensive entity.

When Things Move, Data Moves Too

—What are some areas you want to explore further in terms of system development or platform construction?

Santo:Personally, I am interested in the fields of food and logistics. Since joining a beverage manufacturer as a new graduate, I have had numerous opportunities to work in the food industry, including the restaurant business, the take-home and delivery sector, and cooking products. It would be fascinating to create digital services that connect production to retail in these areas.

Both food and logistics are industries where products are in constant motion, requiring decisions and actions each time the products move. Until now, decisions have generally been made based on individual experience and knowledge. However, I believe that using digital technology to assist and automate these processes is sure to increase efficiency.

Moreover, by digitizing aspects that have not yet been digitized—such as the “feelings” and “sensations” of those who purchase the product in the end—we can offer a broader range of services.

—It is true that many phenomena and behaviors in the world have yet to be digitized.

Santo:As a member of the Digital Innovation Department, I make it a point to stay abreast of new technology trends daily. Personally, I’m excited for technologies that connect to real-world spaces, such as sensing and image recognition.

New solutions and business models could be enabled by digitizing elements like our senses and human behaviors. That makes me hopeful that new trends will continue to emerge in the logistics and food sectors.

Building a Trusted Department for End-to-End Business Solutions

─As Marubeni accelerates the use of digital technology across the company, the Digital Innovation Department seems certain to grow.

Santo:I think the Digital Innovation Department is a highly stimulating environment for those who want to apply their expertise to real business scenarios. I oversee platforms, which can be especially interesting for people with consulting experience or a desire to launch a business, as they can be involved from the initial stages of idea formation and planning.

I think the department will continue to attract a wide range of members with different expertise, and the scope of what we can accomplish will continue to expand. I envision our department being able to handle any business request from conceptualization to completion. Experimenting with new business models and creating high-profit ventures should be very exciting.