On March 16, Japanese luxury jeweler TASAKI announced the appointment of Richard Collasse as Global CEO, simultaneously unveiling a major overhaul of its group leadership structure — a move aimed at accelerating the brand’s expansion on the world stage.
Richard Collasse Appointed Global CEO
Collasse, who now oversees the group’s overall brand strategy and operations as Global CEO, hails from the Aude region of France. After graduating from the University of Paris with a degree in Oriental Studies in 1975, he joined the Protocol Division of the French Embassy in Japan before entering the luxury industry in 1979 with Givenchy, where he served as President and Representative Director upon the establishment of its Japanese subsidiary in 1981.
He went on to join CHANEL in 1985, taking on the role of Managing Director of CHANEL Hong Kong in 1993. In 1995, he was appointed President and Representative Director of CHANEL Japan, a position he held with distinction before also serving as Head of Travel Retail and Chairman of the Board. Since 2018, he has served as Chairman, steering the brand’s strategy and business growth in the Japanese market over many years. He currently also serves as an Outside Director of AEON Co., Ltd.
On his appointment, Collasse commented: “It is a tremendous honor for me to assume the role of Representative Executive Officer, President and Global CEO of TASAKI Holdings, following in the footsteps of former President Tajima. With the deepest respect for his achievements and the spirit he has instilled in this company, I intend to embody the beauty of Japan that the world so admires — listening closely to each and every member of our team with humility, and bringing new energy and vitality to TASAKI. I am fully committed to ensuring that the TASAKI brand shines with the international brilliance it truly deserves on the global luxury stage.”
Juichi Tajima Continues as Chairman
Juichi Tajima, who has served as CEO since 2009 and led TASAKI’s transformation, including the rebranding of the company name and the establishment of its international expansion strategy, assumes the role of Chairman effective the same date. Having made significant contributions to strengthening the brand’s creative identity through rebranding and rebuilding retail strategies across key domestic and international markets, Tajima now passes the baton of Representative Executive Officer and President to Collasse, while continuing to ensure strategic continuity with a long-term perspective grounded in his deep belief in the brand.
On the leadership transition, Tajima shared: “TASAKI’s overarching vision is to be recognized and respected as a Japanese luxury jeweler in the world’s major markets. As I assume the role of Chairman of TASAKI Holdings, I could not be more delighted to pass the baton of Representative Executive Officer and President to Richard Collasse, a longstanding friend and a worthy rival in the luxury industry. I am firmly convinced that his wealth of experience and network within the luxury world will drive TASAKI’s vision to fruition.”
Regional Markets Led by Dedicated Talent
Japan operations will be led by Kentaro Odagiri, who joins as Representative Director and CEO of TASAKI Co., Ltd. on April 1. A former Isetan (now Isetan Mitsukoshi) executive, Odagiri went on to gain experience at Barneys New York before co-founding ESTNATION in 1999. He served as head of Banana Republic at GAP Japan in 2006, then became President and CEO of Céline Japan in 2009. He subsequently served as Representative Director and President of Burberry Japan from 2017, and Representative Director and President of Ferragamo Japan from 2022, where he drove brand strategy and retail operations in the Japanese market. As TASAKI Japan CEO, he will focus on deepening relationships with domestic clients and further elevating brand value.
The Asian market, with China at its center, will be steered by Matthew Bay as Asia ex-Japan CEO. Since 2020, Bay has served as General Manager and Managing Director for Greater China at Qeelin, the high-end jewelry brand under the Kering group, where he led the expansion of the brand’s flagship store network in China, growing brand awareness and driving sales growth. With his deep expertise in the Asian and Chinese markets, Bay will spearhead sustainable, high-quality growth across the region.
Toward Establishing TASAKI as a Global Luxury Jeweler
A rare breed in the luxury world, TASAKI oversees every step of the process in-house — from pearl cultivation and selection to processing and design. The brand has long commanded attention in global markets through its groundbreaking material innovation, including the development of Mabe pearl cultivation techniques in 1970, the meticulous handiwork of its master artisans, and a design language that is as bold as it is poetic, epitomized by its iconic “balance” collection.
With Collasse, Odagiri, and Bay now at the helm, each a seasoned authority in their respective markets, the group has its sights set not only on deepening its presence in Japan and pushing further into Asia, but on making meaningful inroads in Europe as well.
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