Nick Johnston
Chairman
Nick Johnston, Chairman of Wall Street Associates brings extensive knowledge and experience in the Banking & Finance recruitment market in Tokyo. Establishing WSA in 1997, he helped to grown the WSA business up 4 office locations and over 120 employees. Nick previously worked for the National Westminster Bank, Financial and Investment Services Department in London for over 8 years.
Craig Saphin
President and Representative Director
Craig joined Wall Street Associates in 2007. A member of the Board of Directors, he has overall responsibility for all permanent and contract recruitment in Japan. Prior to Wall Street Associates, Craig gained extensive Sales and Marketing experience in Asia Pacific with roles as EFI Japan President and Senior Director of APAC as well as 9 years experience at Fuji Xerox in Australia. Craig holds an MBA from the University of New South Wales. A fitness enthusiast, Craig hails from Australia and moved to Japan for the 2nd time in 2000 with his wife. In the community Craig is the chair of the B2B Sales committee in the American Chamber of commerce in Japan, Chairs the F&B committee in the Tokyo American Club and is Secretary for the Tokyo B&B Club.
Ken Saito
HR and GA Director
Ken Saito, HR and GA Director has more than twenty years of experience managing the global human resources business for companies in Japan, EU and North and South Americas. His commitment has benefited the companies he worked with, from development and implementation of progress reforms to the system, recruiting, employee education, and forecasting labor budget. Ken is unique in that he is a true professional of global Human Resources, and at the same time holds management experience in overlooking global organizations. He joined Wall Street Associates in 2008 and is a member of the board since June, 2009.
Thomas Zelaya
Director of Kansai
Thomas brings wide and unique experience to the recruitment industry, with over 11 years in Japan over 8 years in Osaka. Thomas was a start-up member for the WSA Osaka Office in 2005, and key player for its success. As a result of his achievements in Osaka, Thomas was hand-picked to start up WSA’s Nagoya Office in 2007. After 1 year he then returned to Osaka to run one of the most successful teams in the company. As Director of Kansai, Thomas brings an in-depth knowledge of the Kansai Market as well as a unique understanding of business in the Tokai area. He is fully bilingual in Japanese and English and lives with his family in Osaka, the heartland of Japan.
Robert England
Director of Kanagawa, Yokohama Office
Robert England spent over 12 years in teaching, training and coaching. Later moving into operational and managerial positions, this enabled him to handle a wide variety of functions including recruitment, training and counseling. He has also specialized in developing and implementing management training packages. As a resident of Yokohama he uses his extensive local knowledge to help develop and stimulate local business. An avid sportsman and natural leader, he finds the challenges and competitive nature of both sport and business a driving force in his life.
Maki Mizuhara
Director of Nagoya Office
Maki Mizuhara spent three years marketing Australian food and consumer products through the Australian Consulate in Nagoya. She later joined Australian Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) as a regional manager to promote Australian beef and lamb in the Chubu region. After leaving MLA, Maki was installed as Trade Commissioner with the Canadian Consulate in Nagoya. During her six years working in the Consulate, Maki successfully handled diplomatic relations, trade promotions, and cultural events including activities in Aichi Expo Canada Pavilion in 2005. In February 2007, Maki joined Wall Street Associates bringing her proven networking skills and leadership to establish the Nagoya office.